Lagos police urge political parties to inform them before 2027 rallies

The Lagos State Police Command has urged political parties to notify them ahead of rallies, campaigns, processions, and other political events as the 2027 general elections approach.

The Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, said this notice would help the police make security plans and send officers to cover these events.

Mr Fatai shared this information in a statement posted on X on Sunday by the police spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi.

He mentioned that the command would ensure security for all political parties, candidates, and their supporters fairly. He also warned that any activity that could disturb public peace would not be accepted.

The commissioner noted that parties that fail to inform the police or ignore security plans, leading to a breakdown of peace, would be held responsible under the law.

He also talked about a security meeting held on 15 October before the elections, where political parties and other stakeholders were asked to work with security agencies and follow security guidelines.

The police’s request comes because it is their duty to provide security for political activities. Section 91 of the Electoral Act 2022 states that the police must offer enough security for peaceful rallies and processions.

This section also protects the rights of registered political parties, aspirants, and candidates to hold lawful rallies.

Mr Fatai encouraged political parties to work with the command to make sure that political activities in the state are peaceful.

The notice from the police command is not asking for permission to hold political activities.

According to the law based on existing court decisions, police permits are not needed to conduct these political activities or to organize protests.