Lagos Police warn political parties against late notification of rallies

By Adebola Muili

The Lagos State Police Command has warned political parties in the state that they will be held accountable under the law for any breach of public peace arising from failure to notify the police of planned political activities or disregard for established security arrangements.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Tijani Fatai, gave the warning while urging political parties to notify the Command sufficiently ahead of their rallies, campaigns, processions and other activities requiring security coverage.

The warning was contained in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi.

Fatai explained that early notification would enable the Command to conduct proper security assessments, deploy adequate personnel and make necessary operational arrangements to protect participants, members of the public and the general environment.

He, however, assured all political parties, their candidates, supporters and participants of equal security protection during rallies, campaigns and other political activities, irrespective of their political affiliations.

The Commissioner stressed that the Command remained committed to providing adequate security for all political parties but would not tolerate any conduct capable of disrupting public peace, threatening public safety or resulting in a breakdown of law and order.

He warned that any political party that failed to provide timely notification or disregarded established security arrangements, thereby contributing to a breach of peace, would be held accountable in accordance with the law.

The Commissioner had also emphasised the need for cooperation between political parties and security agencies during the 2027 General Elections Stakeholders’ Security Engagement held on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

At the engagement, political parties and other relevant stakeholders were reminded of the importance of timely communication, cooperation and strict adherence to security guidelines throughout the electoral process.

The Command also reaffirmed its readiness to provide adequate security coverage for all political parties to ensure a safe and conducive environment for their lawful political activities.

Fatai consequently urged political parties to demonstrate responsibility, cooperate with security agencies and ensure that their rallies, campaigns and other political activities were conducted peacefully and in strict compliance with the law.