The Ogun State Government has urged local government officials and other stakeholders to uphold integrity, transparency and professionalism in the electoral process, warning that violence, intimidation, vote-buying and electoral manipulation could erode public confidence in democracy.

The Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, made the call at the Ogun State Free and Fair General Elections Summit for local government officials, at the Obas Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Speaking on the theme, “Free and Fair Elections: Pathway to Economic and Political Stability,” Hamzat, noted that local governments remained the tier of government closest to the people and a critical foundation for democratic governance, stressing that credible elections must be peaceful, transparent, inclusive and conducted in accordance with the rule of law, with equal opportunities for contestants, protection of voters’ rights and respect for legitimate electoral outcomes.

The Commissioner charged local government officials to ensure that eligible citizens exercised their franchise without fear, intimidation or favouritism, noting that credible elections would strengthen democratic institutions, promote accountability and support sustainable development across the State.

In her goodwill message, Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, (ALGON), Ogun State Chapter, Hon. Afolashade Adeyemo, disclosed that the summit was timely ahead of the 2027 general elections, she urged participants to apply the knowledge gained to promote electoral integrity and good governance, while serving as ambassadors of peace and advocates of credible elections at the grassroots.

Delivering a paper on the summit’s theme, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Professor Ayodele Odunlami, said free, fair and credible elections were essential to political stability, good governance and sustainable economic development.

Odunlami, identified electoral transparency, citizens’ participation and public confidence as critical to strengthening democratic institutions and attracting investment. He warned that electoral malpractice could trigger political unrest, prolonged litigation and capital flight, while credible polls would enhance the legitimacy of elected leaders and strengthen accountability.

Also delivering another paper titled “Good Governance: Elements of Effective Leadership and Building Political Trust,” a lecturer at the Faculty of Law, Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Opeyemi Adebari, emphasised transparency, accountability, respect for the rule of law and responsible leadership as essential to building public trust.

Adebari, urged greater attention to governance at the local government level, stressing the need to educate citizens on their democratic rights and responsibilities in order to ensure that the benefits of democracy were felt at the grassroots.

Remarking, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi, represented by the State Training Officer, Mr. Hakeem Babatunde, urged eligible voters to obtain the Permanent Voter Cards and exercise their civic rights in the forthcoming elections, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to conducting credible and conclusive elections.

Also, the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, represented by ACP Farouk Raheem, reiterated the commitment of security agencies to securing the electoral process, maintaining public order and ensuring a peaceful environment for voters and other stakeholders.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, a politician, Hon. Salami Isiaka, commended the State government for organising capacity-building seminars for local government officials, noting that the summit was timely ahead of the 2027 elections and pledged that participants would uphold democratic values and cascade the knowledge gained to the grassroots.