Lagos Police Urge Parties to Notify Command Before 2027 Election Rallies

The Lagos State Police Command has issued a public appeal for political parties to notify it of planned rallies, campaigns, processions and other political events as the 2027 general elections gain momentum. Commissioner of Police Tijani Fatai said advance notice would enable the command to deploy officers and put security measures in place to protect participants and the public.

The request was communicated through a statement released by the command’s spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, and posted on the platform X on 9 November 2026. Fatai assured parties, candidates and supporters that the police would provide security without favouring any group, but warned that parties ignoring the notification process or breaching established security arrangements could face legal consequences.

Background

The appeal follows a security briefing held on 15 October 2026, where political parties and other stakeholders were reminded to cooperate with security agencies and observe safety guidelines ahead of the elections. The police’s statutory duty to maintain order during political activities is anchored in Section 91 of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates police protection for peaceful rallies and processions and guarantees registered parties and candidates the right to organise lawful gatherings.

Existing court rulings have clarified that political parties do not need police permits to hold rallies, and protesters are not required to obtain police approval for peaceful demonstrations. Fatai’s statement therefore does not constitute a new legal requirement for permits, but rather a call for voluntary notification to aid security planning.

Why it matters

The Lagos State Police Command’s request directly affects all registered political parties, aspirants and candidates planning events in the state. By receiving advance notice, the command can allocate personnel, manage traffic, and mitigate risks of violence or public disorder. The police have indicated that failure to cooperate could lead to enforcement actions under existing law, underscoring the importance of compliance for maintaining public peace.

Stakeholders in Lagos, a key political battleground, are likely to adjust their event logistics to align with the police’s guidance. The move also reflects broader concerns about election‑related violence in Nigeria, prompting security agencies to adopt proactive measures.

What happens next

The police have not set a formal deadline for notifications, but the statement implies that parties should inform the command as soon as event details are finalised. The command will continue to monitor compliance and may take action against parties that disregard the appeal, as indicated by the commissioner’s warning of legal consequences for breaches of public peace. No further court rulings or policy changes have been announced, leaving the notification request as the primary mechanism for coordinating security ahead of the 2027 elections.