By Odita Sunday
The Bayelsa State Police Command has assured residents of coordinated security arrangements ahead of the 2027 general elections, pledging to protect voters, electoral officials and the electoral process without political bias.
The Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, gave the assurance on Tuesday during an election stakeholders’ forum convened by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the Prof. Mahmood Yakubu Media Centre in Yenagoa.
The forum brought together the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner and other officials, the State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), representatives of political parties, the State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and other stakeholders to discuss preparations for the 2027 general elections.
During the meeting, the Resident Electoral Commissioner briefed participants on the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), disclosing that more than 52,000 cards had been issued in the first batch, with further distribution planned.
Stakeholders also raised concerns about preparations for the elections, particularly security deployment and the need to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
Addressing the concerns, Adewale, who chairs the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) in Bayelsa State, said the police would strengthen collaboration with INEC and other security agencies to identify potential threats, share intelligence and coordinate security operations across the state.
He said the arrangements would cover all parts of Bayelsa, including its riverine communities, to ensure that eligible voters could exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.
The police commissioner assured stakeholders that officers deployed for election duties would be properly briefed on their responsibilities and expected to demonstrate discipline, restraint and impartiality.
He emphasised that the command would not favour any political party or candidate, adding that the protection of voters, electoral officials and the integrity of the electoral process remained a priority.
Adewale also urged political parties and their supporters to shun violence, intimidation and other acts capable of disrupting the elections.
He called on community leaders to promptly report emerging tensions and suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities to enable timely intervention.
The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustained engagement with INEC and sister security agencies, assuring residents that the police would work to maintain a peaceful environment before, during and after the 2027 general elections.
About the Author
