By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the service chiefs and other heads of security agencies to intensify preparations to ensure peaceful, free, fair and credible general elections across Nigeria in 2027.

The directive underscores the responsibility of the nation’s security establishment to protect the electoral process, safeguard voters and electoral officials, and prevent political violence before, during and after the elections.

The President’s position was conveyed by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), after a meeting of the National Security Council presided over by Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday.Musa said the President had charged the security agencies to work together to ensure that the forthcoming elections were conducted in a peaceful and secure atmosphere.

The directive places the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other relevant agencies at the centre of preparations to prevent threats that could undermine the electoral process.

As political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, security agencies are expected to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve inter-agency cooperation and develop operational strategies to address threats, including political thuggery, armed violence, intimidation of voters, kidnapping and attacks on electoral facilities.

The agencies are also expected to work closely with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to protect election materials, secure collation centres and provide adequate security for polling units, while ensuring that their personnel remain professional, impartial and committed to the rule of law.A major challenge ahead of the elections will be ensuring that security operations do not interfere with the constitutional rights of citizens to participate freely in the democratic process. Security personnel must therefore maintain neutrality, avoid partisan conduct and protect all eligible voters regardless of their political affiliations.

The responsibility for credible elections does not rest solely on the security agencies. Political parties, candidates, supporters, community leaders and the general public also have important roles to play in promoting peaceful campaigns, rejecting violence and respecting the outcome of lawful electoral processes.The Independent National Electoral Commission will equally be expected to discharge its statutory responsibilities effectively, while security agencies provide the necessary protection for election officials, sensitive materials and voting facilities.

Nigeria’s experience with electoral violence and political tensions has repeatedly demonstrated the importance of early preparation, credible intelligence and coordinated responses to emerging security threats. Preventive action, rather than a reaction after violence has occurred, will be essential to protecting lives and property during the election period.

The service chiefs and heads of other security institutions will consequently be expected to translate the President’s directive into practical measures, including personnel training, threat assessments, rapid-response arrangements and effective communication among operational commands.The conduct of the 2027 general elections will be an important test of the country’s ability to protect democratic participation while confronting existing security challenges.

The success of the preparations will depend not only on the deployment of security personnel but also on their discipline, professionalism, accountability and respect for the rights of citizens.As preparations continue, Nigerians will expect the security agencies to demonstrate readiness to protect the electoral process without fear or favour, ensuring that eligible citizens can exercise their voting rights in a peaceful environment.Ultimately, the protection of the 2027 general elections will require sustained cooperation among the Presidency, security institutions, INEC, political stakeholders and citizens to ensure that insecurity and political violence do not deprive Nigerians of their democratic rights.