The Ogun State Government has pledged to maintain a peaceful political environment ahead of the 2027 general elections, assuring political parties and candidates that they will be allowed to campaign and mobilise voters without intimidation or harassment.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, gave the assurance during a live radio programme in Abeokuta, where he said the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun was committed to ensuring that political activities were conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law.
Akinmade said the government had created an environment that allowed opposition parties to operate freely across the state, noting that posters, flyers and billboards belonging to different political groups could be seen in various locations after the necessary procedures had been followed.
He said the government was determined to prevent a repeat of the tension and violence that characterised the 2019 election period.
“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.
According to the special adviser, the government is working with security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to promote peaceful political activities across the state’s 20 local government areas.
He urged political parties and their supporters to avoid actions capable of escalating tensions, stressing that the right to campaign and seek votes must be exercised responsibly and within the provisions of the law.
Akinmade also said the government would continue to support security agencies in protecting lives and property and creating a secure environment for voters, candidates, journalists, electoral officials and other participants in the electoral process.
He called on political parties to base their campaigns on policies, programmes and records of performance rather than thuggery, hate speech, misinformation and personal attacks.
The special adviser further urged residents to reject vote-buying and other practices that could undermine the credibility of the elections, while encouraging stakeholders to comply with the guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He said the responsibility for maintaining peace during elections rested with all stakeholders, including the media, traditional institutions, civil society groups, security agencies, political parties and voters.
Akinmade added that the state government’s investments in areas including infrastructure, education, security, agriculture and youth development were helping to create a stable environment in which residents could participate in the democratic process.
While soliciting support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, Akinmade said the party’s supporters would conduct their campaigns responsibly and in line with the law.
He stressed that political contests were temporary, while the peace and development of Ogun State would endure beyond any election.
“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 sustain an environment where every party can campaign, every voter can make a choice and every citizen can participate in the democratic process without fear,” he said.
