Army Chief In Ogun Draws A Firm Line Ahead Of 2027, No Politics, No Excuses

By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

The General Officer Commanding 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, has reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army will remain apolitical, neutral and professional before, during and after the 2027 General Elections.

Major General Babalola spoke on Thursday, September 3, 2026, during a sensitisation lecture titled The Conduct of Personnel in Preparation for the 2027 General Elections in Nigeria, held at the Vulcan Officers’ Mess, Headquarters 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala Barracks, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

He stressed that there would be no room for partisanship, intimidation or misconduct by personnel under his command, charging officers and soldiers of 81 Division to be guided at all times by the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 and the Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement for the Armed Forces during elections.

The GOC outlined four key directives for personnel, to remain neutral at all times, conduct themselves professionally with the highest standards of discipline, be accountable for their actions and uphold the integrity of the Nigerian Army, warning that any personnel found wanting would face the full weight of military and civil law.

Special Guest of Honour, His Royal Majesty Oba Dr Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, described the coming elections as another milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey, noting that beyond the contest for political power, elections test the resilience of national institutions and the maturity of political actors.

The monarch said the period would demand sound judgement, professional discipline, inter agency coordination and unwavering fidelity to the Constitution from the Armed Forces and other security agencies, describing the seminar as timely and aligned with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy of building a professional, adaptable and combat ready force.

Commander 35 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Friday Oguche Onu, said the lecture demonstrated the Army’s commitment to professionalism and constitutional responsibility, reminding personnel of their role under Section 217(2)(c) of the Constitution to support civil authority and other security agencies in ensuring a peaceful, free and credible electoral process.