President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the Nigeria Police Force to maintain strict political neutrality and high professionalism standards ahead of the 2027 general elections. He warned that the Force must not be seen as serving any political interest. Tinubu made this statement at the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Owerri, Imo State.
The President's address, delivered by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, emphasized that every Nigerian must feel protected by the police, regardless of their political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, social status, or geographical location. He stressed that the police's neutrality is crucial to public confidence in the electoral process.
Tinubu highlighted that the 2027 elections require careful preparation, intelligence-led operations, professionalism, impartiality, and effective coordination among security and electoral stakeholders. He noted that securing elections goes beyond protecting polling stations and ballot materials; it also involves protecting citizens and electoral officials, ensuring peaceful campaigns, and preventing violence and intimidation.
The President reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to police reforms, emphasizing the need for sustained investment in personnel, training, technology, intelligence infrastructure, operational logistics, welfare, and institutional systems. He urged the Force to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve response times, and enhance inter-agency cooperation to tackle increasingly sophisticated security threats.
Tinubu commended Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Police Management Team for their efforts to reposition the Force and address emerging security challenges. He also acknowledged officers who have confronted various crimes, including those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
The President encouraged senior officers to use the retreat to develop a practical roadmap for election security and operational preparedness. He urged them to build a modern, professional, technology-enabled, intelligence-driven, and citizen-centered police force beyond 2027.
Tinubu emphasized that Federal Government support for the police must be matched by courage, integrity, discipline, and professionalism in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities. He tasked the police with ensuring that Nigerians can participate in the electoral process without fear.
Key points
- President Tinubu charges Nigeria Police Force to maintain strict political neutrality ahead of 2027 elections.
- The President emphasizes the need for sustained investment in police personnel, training, and technology.
- Tinubu urges the police to develop a practical roadmap for election security and operational preparedness.
