2027 Elections: Police and Experts to Tackle Security Issues at Owerri Meeting

Lenders Consult International is set to strengthen its partnership with the Nigeria Police Force as Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections. This partnership is part of a conference aimed at improving how security is managed during elections.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lenders Consult, Shina Philips, announced this on Tuesday at a press conference at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. The announcement comes ahead of the sixth Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO).

This three-day conference will take place from 21 to 23 September in Owerri, Imo State. It will focus on creating a roadmap for the police to manage security effectively during elections.

The Nigeria Police Force is working with Lenders Consult International to hold this event. Mr Philips mentioned that the partnership started in 2019. It aims to support the police as the lead agency for internal security, especially with the 2027 elections approaching.

“As a private organisation, Lenders Consult International is committed to strengthening our strategic partnership with the Nigeria Police as they prepare to provide adequate security during the 2027 General Elections across the country,” he said.

He added that this goal aligns with the views of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu. The police chief stated, “Stability of the electoral process largely depends on the Police as the lead agency in internal democracy.”

Police to Create 2027 Election Security Plan

According to a statement from the Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, the conference will gather senior police officers, policing experts, and other key players to discuss new security challenges related to elections.

Topics will include intelligence-led policing, police-community partnerships, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence as modern approaches to policing.

The main participants will be officers ranked Commissioner of Police and above. They will discuss practical ways to enhance the police's ability before, during, and after the 2027 elections.

The Police said the strategies will focus on protecting voters, electoral personnel, candidates, electoral materials, and the general public.

Lenders Consult Seeks More Support for the Police

Mr Philips stated that his organisation has secured sponsorship for every edition of the conference since it was first approved to hold the event. He sees this as part of their effort to support the police.

“Since inception, when we first got approval to organise the Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers, we have worked to secure sponsorship for every single edition. We consider this our contribution to support the selfless and patriotic work of the Nigeria Police. While commending the government’s efforts, we emphasise that Nigerians need to support the police in fulfilling their constitutional mandate to secure our society and maintain public order,” he said.

He pointed out that the conference has grown to include international participants and promised to keep it focused on modern policing methods.

“Our vision for the Conference and Retreat has emerged as the Conference and Retreat continues to attract international participants. As the giant of Africa, Nigeria is leading the drive to adopt modern policing methods. We will continue to partner with the Nigerian Police authorities to ensure the event remains focused on delivering effective policing solutions.”

The Imo State Government will host the 2026 edition of the conference. Mr Philips thanked Governor Hope Uzodimma for agreeing to host it for the third time.

“We also express our appreciation to the Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma CON, for agreeing to host this important event for the third time.”

The opening ceremony is set for 10 a.m. on 21 September in Owerri. The Police said this conference is part of efforts to strengthen leadership, professionalism, and operational readiness for the 2027 general elections.