The Lagos State Police Command has urged political parties to notify it ahead of planned rallies, campaigns, processions, and other political events as activities for the 2027 general elections begin to gather momentum.
The Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, said advance notification would allow the command to put necessary security measures in place and deploy officers to ensure the safety of participants and the public.
Fatai appealed in a statement issued on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, and published on X.
He assured political parties, candidates and their supporters that the police would provide security for their activities without favouring any group. However, he cautioned that the command would not condone actions capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.
The police commissioner warned that political parties that failed to notify the command or ignored established security arrangements, leading to a breach of public peace, would face the consequences under the law.
He also recalled a security meeting held on October 15, during which political parties and other relevant stakeholders were advised to work with security agencies and observe the necessary safety guidelines ahead of the elections.
The appeal comes amid the police's statutory obligation to maintain security during political activities. Section 91 of the Electoral Act 2022 mandates the police to provide adequate protection for the peaceful conduct of rallies and processions.
The provision also guarantees registered political parties, aspirants and candidates the right to organise lawful political gatherings.
Fatai called on political parties to cooperate with the command, stressing the need to ensure that political activities across Lagos State take place without violence or disruption.
However, the police command's call for advance notification does not amount to a requirement for parties to obtain permission before organising political events.
Existing court decisions have established that political parties do not need police permits to hold rallies and that protesters do not require police approval to organise peaceful demonstrations.
Lagos 2027: Police ask parties to notify command before rallies