The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, has issued a stern warning to politicians and their supporters against engaging in electoral malpractices, including hiring thugs, buying votes, and threatening voters and electoral officials, during the 2027 general elections. Disu gave the warning on Monday at the sixth conference and retreat for senior police officers in Owerri, Imo State. The IGP emphasized that the police would not tolerate electoral offences.
Disu stressed that politicians should compete with ideas, not with thugs, and urged them to refrain from hiring mobs, buying votes, moving arms, or threatening voters and electoral officials. He assured that the police would act against anyone involved in such activities, regardless of their status. The IGP also disclosed that the police would work with relevant agencies, including INEC, EFCC, and ICPC, to investigate and prosecute those involved in electoral crimes.
The IGP introduced a six-point framework to guide police preparations for the 2027 elections. The framework covers stronger intelligence and early-warning systems, improved training and preparedness, joint command and cooperation among security agencies, better communication and use of technology, stronger community engagement, and strict neutrality. This framework aims to ensure a safe and credible electoral process.
Disu emphasized that impunity is a major encouragement of electoral crimes and urged the people of Nigeria to go out and vote peacefully, while reporting any wrongdoing. He assured that anyone arrested for electoral crimes would face prosecution, irrespective of their position or status. The event was attended by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and representatives of other security agencies.
The IGP's warning is a clear indication that the police are committed to ensuring a free and fair electoral process in 2027. Disu's message to politicians and their supporters is simple: compete with ideas, not with thugs. The police will work with relevant agencies to investigate and prosecute those involved in electoral offences.
The conference and retreat for senior police officers in Owerri, Imo State, was a platform for the IGP to address the challenges facing the police in ensuring a credible electoral process. The event provided an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss strategies for a successful 2027 election. The IGP's six-point framework is expected to guide police preparations for the elections.
The IGP's warning and the introduction of a six-point framework for police preparations for the 2027 elections demonstrate the commitment of the police to ensuring a safe and credible electoral process. The police will work with relevant agencies to investigate and prosecute those involved in electoral crimes, and anyone arrested will face prosecution, irrespective of their position or status.
Key points
- IGP Tunji Disu warns politicians against hiring thugs, buying votes in 2027 elections
- Police introduce six-point framework to guide preparations for 2027 elections
- Anyone arrested for electoral crimes will face prosecution, irrespective of their position or status
