Ogun State Promises Peaceful Elections in 2027

The Ogun State Government has promised to keep the political environment peaceful ahead of the 2027 elections. They assured political parties and candidates that they can campaign, mobilize, and seek voter support without fear of intimidation or harassment.

Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, made this promise during a live radio show in Abeokuta. He said Governor Dapo Abiodun's administration is dedicated to ensuring that political activities in the state happen peacefully and legally.

Akinmade noted that the government has created a space where opposition parties can operate freely. He pointed out that their posters, flyers, and billboards are displayed across the state after following the necessary procedures.

He emphasized that, unlike the tension during the 2019 elections, there will be no violence or intimidation as the state approaches the 2027 elections. "Governor Abiodun has made it clear that what happened in 2019 must never happen again in Ogun State. Political competition should not translate into violence, intimidation, or a breakdown of law and order," he said.

The government is working with security agencies, civil society organizations, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other important groups. This is to ensure that campaigns and political activities are peaceful across all 20 local government areas in the state.

Akinmade warned political parties and their supporters against actions that could create unrest. He said while everyone has the right to campaign and ask for votes, they must do so responsibly and within the law.

He added that the government will continue to support security agencies to protect lives and property. This will help ensure that voters, candidates, journalists, electoral officials, and others can perform their duties without fear.

The Special Adviser also urged political parties to focus on issues, programs, and their records instead of resorting to violence, hate speech, false information, or personal attacks.

He called on residents to reject vote-buying and other practices that could damage the electoral process. He encouraged everyone to respect the rules set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Akinmade said ensuring peaceful elections is a shared responsibility. He urged the media, traditional leaders, civil society, security agencies, political parties, and voters to play their parts in maintaining peace in the state.

He also said that the administration's investments in infrastructure, education, security, agriculture, and youth development are helping to create a stable environment for citizens to engage in democracy.

In his appeal for support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, Akinmade assured that party supporters will campaign responsibly and within the law.

He concluded that political contests are temporary, but the peace and development of Ogun State must remain constant. "The election will come and go, but Ogun State will remain. No political ambition is worth compromising the peace and progress of our state. Our commitment is to maintain an environment where every party can campaign, every voter can choose, and every citizen can take part in democracy without fear," he said.