Political stakeholders and security authorities in Kwara State have called for peaceful campaigns, responsible use of social media and greater cooperation among political actors and security agencies ahead of the 2027 general elections.
They made the calls on Friday in Ilorin during an operational inspection tour of the Kwara State Police Command by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 8 Headquarters, Lokoja, Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin.
Otimenyin urged politicians and their supporters to avoid hate campaigns, provocative statements and activities capable of heightening tension in the state.
She stressed that political differences should not degenerate into violence.
The AIG also advised political parties and groups planning rallies, meetings and other public activities to notify the police early enough to enable the command to assess possible security implications and prevent clashes.
“We are going to agree on that and we are going to ensure that there’s going to be peace during this campaign.
“We will not quarrel with each other over campaign issues,” she said.
Otimenyin warned political actors against submitting requests for security arrangements at odd hours, saying adequate notice would help the police coordinate competing activities and provide appropriate security advice.
“Police are not magicians. Don’t come in the middle of the night.
“Let them be in and drop your request against 7 a.m. activities,” she said.
She explained that early notification would enable the police to know whether a venue had already been booked by another group and, where necessary, recommend alternative arrangements to prevent confrontation.
The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, on his part, urged content creators, the media and other members of the public to support security agencies with credible information in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activities.
Ojo said some content creators had already assisted the police by providing useful information, stressing that their influence should be deployed towards protecting lives and property.
“Some people are doing a very great job. Many content creators have given me information that has helped us,” the commissioner said.
He recalled an instance where a content creator obtained and circulated the photograph of a suspected criminal linked to killings in Niger State, noting that the information eventually assisted security operatives in tracking the suspect.
Ojo urged other content creators to emulate such efforts by promptly sharing credible information concerning criminal activities with the police and other security agencies.
He also warned against introducing partisan politics into security matters, saying terrorism and violent crimes affect everyone irrespective of political affiliation.
“We cannot put politics into security issues. All of us must join together and fight this evil,” he said.
The Chairman of APC in Kwara State, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, also assured the police of the ruling party’s commitment to peaceful political activities, saying violence would serve no useful purpose.
Fagbemi, who spoke at the Police Officers’ Mess in Ilorin during the AIG’s visit, described politicians and security personnel as partners in maintaining peace and stability in the state.
“Security, you know us, you know about what you do. All of us are one family,” he said.
He maintained that it was in the interest of the ruling party and the people of Kwara to sustain the peaceful atmosphere in the state.
“It is in our best interest as the ruling party to have peace. And that is what we are doing.
“We hope, no matter what it takes, we will continue to do this,” Fagbemi said.
The APC chairman particularly cautioned politicians against involving youths and students in activities that could expose them to violence, stressing that the future of the younger generation should not be sacrificed for political interests.
“We don’t want violence. We don’t know who it will affect. And as our children that are in the institutions, we want them to succeed.
“We will not be part of parties that will be involving them in any unfruitful assignments,” he said.
Fagbemi urged political actors to concentrate on presenting their programmes and persuading voters rather than engaging in confrontation.
He said elections should provide citizens with the opportunity to choose between competing ideas and policies.
“Whoever destiny brings to rule, whether it is people that we want to appeal to, let us tell them what we have in store for them. What we are going to do, that is what we require,” he said.
Other politicians and stakeholders at the engagement also called for neutrality, professionalism and adequate security before, during and after the 2027 elections.
They stressed the need for security agencies to maintain impartiality while political parties and their supporters conduct their campaigns within the law.
The stakeholders said sustained collaboration between political parties, security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, the media and civil society would be critical to preserving Kwara’s relative peace as political activities intensify.
The AIG’s inspection tour was part of efforts to assess operational readiness, strengthen coordination and review security arrangements within Zone 8 ahead of the 2027 electoral season.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
