2027 Elections: Police, experts to address emerging security threats at Owerri conference

Lenders Consult International says it will deepen its partnership with the Nigeria Police Force as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections, backing a strategic conference aimed at improving the management of electoral security.

The company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Shina Philips, made this known on Tuesday at a press conference at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, ahead of the sixth Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO).

The three-day conference, scheduled for 21 to 23 September in Owerri, Imo State, will focus on “Developing a Nigerian Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Elections.”

The Nigeria Police Force is organising the event in conjunction with Lenders Consult International.

Mr Philips said the partnership, which began in 2019, was aimed at supporting the police as the lead internal security agency, particularly as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

“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 the company’s position aligned with that of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on the Force’s importance to the electoral process.

Mr Philips quoted the police chief as saying, “Stability of the electoral process largely depends on the Police as the lead agency in internal democracy.”

Police to devise 2027 election security plan

According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, the conference will bring together senior police officers, policing experts and other relevant stakeholders to examine emerging electoral security challenges.

The discussions will cover intelligence-led policing, police-community partnerships, digital technologies and artificial intelligence, among other contemporary approaches to policing.

The conference will primarily involve officers of the rank of Commissioner of Police and above, with deliberations expected to produce practical measures to strengthen the Force’s capacity before, during, and after the 2027 elections.

The Police said the proposed strategies would focus on protecting voters, electoral personnel, candidates, electoral materials and the wider public.

Lenders Consult seeks broader support for the Police

Mr Philips said his organisation had secured sponsorship for every edition of the conference since it received approval to organise the event, describing the initiative as part of its contribution to supporting 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 the conference had evolved beyond a domestic gathering, with international participants now attending, and pledged to maintain its focus on contemporary policing approaches.

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“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 cutting-edge policing solutions.”

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The Imo State Government will host the 2026 edition. Mr Philips expressed appreciation to Governor Hope Uzodimma for agreeing to host the conference 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 scheduled for 10 a.m. on 21 September in Owerri.

The Police said the conference is part of efforts to strengthen strategic leadership, professionalism and operational preparedness ahead of the 2027 general elections.