The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on the Nigeria Police Force to maintain professionalism, political neutrality and accountability during the 2027 general elections, stressing that effective election security is crucial to protecting Nigeria’s democracy.
NBA President, Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, made the call in Abuja on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the opening of a nationwide election security training programme involving 10,000 police officers.
Speaking through the association’s National Secretary, Mr Afam Okeke, Badejo-Okusanya said the conduct of security personnel before, during and after elections could significantly influence public confidence in the electoral process.
She described the five-day training initiative as an important step towards equipping police officers with the knowledge and practical skills required to manage election-related security challenges.
According to the NBA president, credible elections depend not only on voting procedures but also on an environment where citizens can exercise their democratic rights without intimidation, violence or unlawful interference.
She emphasised that security agencies must uphold the rule of law, respect fundamental human rights and ensure that electoral activities take place peacefully.
NBA Tasks Police on Neutrality and Accountability
Badejo-Okusanya urged officers assigned to election duties to discharge their responsibilities without political favouritism or discrimination.
She explained that police personnel have a duty to protect voters, electoral officials and other participants while preserving the integrity of the democratic process.
The NBA president also stressed the importance of accountability, noting that security operations should comply with established legal standards and recognised principles of democratic policing.
She welcomed the training programme and encouraged participating institutions to sustain efforts aimed at improving election security management across Nigeria.
The association, she added, remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen democratic institutions, promote peaceful elections and safeguard citizens’ constitutional rights.
10,000 Police Officers to Receive Election Security Training
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the training is being organised at designated centres nationwide as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The programme focuses on practical areas of election policing, including crowd management, conflict prevention, intelligence gathering, human rights protection and appropriate responses to security threats.
Participants will also receive instruction on operational rules of engagement and lawful procedures for handling incidents that may arise during electoral activities.
The first phase covers officers drawn from 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The initiative is intended to promote consistent operational standards among officers who may be deployed to provide security during the elections.
Why Election Security Matters Ahead of 2027
Security personnel play a significant role in maintaining order at polling locations, protecting election materials and responding to threats that could disrupt voting.
Their conduct can also shape voters’ willingness to participate, particularly in communities where concerns about intimidation, violence or political interference exist.
For the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a secure electoral environment is an important condition for the effective conduct of elections.
The NBA’s position highlights the need for police officers to balance public safety responsibilities with respect for political freedoms and citizens’ rights.
As preparations for the 2027 general elections continue, the association is urging security agencies to demonstrate impartiality, discipline and respect for the law throughout the electoral process.
