President Bola Tinubu has issued a stern warning to police officers, threatening to sack any officer involved in unprofessional conduct during the 2027 general elections. This warning was given at the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Owerri, Imo State. Tinubu emphasized the importance of upholding the highest standards of professionalism and impartiality in the discharge of their duties. He stressed that every Nigerian must feel protected by the Police, regardless of their political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, social status, or geographical location.
Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, highlighted that the neutrality and professionalism of the Police Force are fundamental to public confidence and the credibility of the nation’s democracy. He noted that the police must be seen as a national institution serving the Nigerian people and protecting the constitutional order, rather than an instrument of any political interest. This, he said, is fundamental to public trust and the credibility of Nigeria's democracy.
The President outlined the requirements for the 2027 elections, which include careful preparation, professionalism, impartiality, intelligence-led operations, and close coordination among security and electoral stakeholders. He assured that the Federal Government would provide the necessary support to enable the Police Force to effectively discharge its responsibilities. Securing the electoral process, Tinubu explained, goes beyond protecting ballot papers and polling stations; it also entails protecting citizens, electoral officials and materials, ensuring peaceful campaigns, preventing violence and intimidation, and guaranteeing that Nigerians can participate in the democratic process without fear.
Tinubu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ongoing police reforms, stressing that meaningful reform requires sustained investment in personnel, training, technology, intelligence infrastructure, operational logistics, welfare, and institutional systems. He urged the Police Force to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve response times, deepen community engagement, embrace technology, and enhance inter-agency cooperation to meet increasingly sophisticated security threats.
The President commended the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Police Management Team for their efforts to reposition the Force and respond to emerging security challenges. He acknowledged the sacrifices of officers confronting kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, cultism, and other violent crimes across the country, including those who have paid the ultimate price. However, he reminded the Force that the security expectations of Nigerians remain high.
Tinubu urged the police officers to continue building public confidence through discipline, accountability, professionalism, and respect for the rights and dignity of citizens. He emphasized that the police must work to ensure that Nigerians have confidence in their ability to protect and serve. The President's remarks were aimed at ensuring that the Police Force is well-prepared to handle the security challenges that will come with the 2027 general elections.
The warning by Tinubu is a significant move to ensure the credibility and transparency of the 2027 general elections. The President's commitment to police reforms and the need for professionalism and impartiality during the elections is a step towards enhancing public trust in the electoral process. The Police Force has been tasked with a critical responsibility, and Tinubu's address serves as a reminder of the importance of their role in maintaining peace and security during the elections.
Key points
- President Bola Tinubu threatens to sack police officers involved in unprofessional conduct during the 2027 general elections.
- Tinubu emphasizes the importance of professionalism and impartiality in the discharge of police duties.
- The Federal Government reaffirms its commitment to ongoing police reforms.
