The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday received a high-powered delegation from the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC) at the IGP Smart Conference Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja. The visit marked a strategic follow-up dialogue on the implementation of electoral policies ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 General Elections.
According to a press release signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the delegation was led by Mrs. Davidetta Browne Lansanah, Chairperson of the National Elections Commission of Liberia, and included top electoral officials such as Dr. Bossman Asare, Deputy Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Ghana; Mr. Chinedu Chinedu, Senior Programme Officer at ECONEC; and Prof. Bolade Eyinla, Chief Technical Adviser to INEC, alongside other representatives and partners of the network.
In her remarks, Mrs. Lansanah commended the Inspector-General for granting audience to the delegation and acknowledged the pivotal role played by the Nigeria Police Force in safeguarding electoral processes. She emphasised that the visit aimed to engage in constructive dialogue around key issues raised in the 2023 general elections report and to strategise on implementing recommendations in preparation for the 2027 elections.
In response, IGP Egbetokun expressed gratitude to the delegation for the visit and underscored the critical responsibility of the police in ensuring the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process.
He outlined the three essential phases of police involvement in elections: pre-election activities such as managing campaigns and mitigating conflicts; election day duties including personnel deployment and protection of electoral materials; and post-election responsibilities like maintaining law and order, investigating electoral offences, and prosecuting offenders.
The IGP reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to neutrality, fairness, professionalism, and the protection of democratic values. He also highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration between electoral management bodies and security agencies, noting the positive feedback from international observers regarding the Police Force’s role in recent elections.
The engagement further reinforces the ongoing partnership between security agencies and electoral stakeholders aimed at enhancing the credibility, safety, and integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system.
