President Bola Tinubu has issued a warning to the Nigeria Police Force against being used to advance political interests ahead of the 2027 general elections. He emphasized the need for officers to maintain strict impartiality and professionalism in securing the electoral process. Tinubu made this statement at the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Owerri, Imo State.
The President, represented by Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stressed that the police must be seen as a national institution serving all Nigerians, rather than any political interest. He highlighted that neutrality and professionalism are critical to public confidence and the credibility of the 2027 elections.
Tinubu noted that the 2027 polls would require careful preparation, intelligence-led operations, professionalism, and close coordination among security and electoral stakeholders. He said election security goes beyond protecting polling stations and ballot materials, but also involves protecting voters and electoral officials, ensuring peaceful campaigns, preventing violence and intimidation, and enabling citizens to participate without fear.
The President assured the police of sustained government support for reforms and improved operational capacity, including investment in personnel, training, technology, intelligence infrastructure, logistics, welfare, and institutional systems. He tasked the Force with strengthening intelligence gathering, improving response times, deepening community engagement, embracing technology, and enhancing inter-agency cooperation to tackle increasingly sophisticated security threats.
Tinubu commended Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Police Management Team for efforts to reposition the Force. He acknowledged the officers confronting kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, cultism, and other violent crimes across the country. The President also reminded the police that public expectations remain high, urging officers to build confidence through discipline, accountability, professionalism, and respect for citizens' rights and dignity.
The President tasked senior officers attending the retreat to produce a practical and implementable roadmap for election security and operational preparedness. He laid the foundation for a modern, professional, technology-enabled, intelligence-driven, and citizen-centered police force beyond 2027. Tinubu assured officers and men of continued Federal Government support, but stressed that such support must be matched by courage, integrity, discipline, and professionalism in the discharge of their constitutional duties.
The President's directive comes as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify. In August, he urged security agencies to protect voters and electoral officials and ensure that elections reflect the will of the people. The President's warning and directives aim to ensure that the police maintain their impartiality and professionalism, which is essential for a free and fair election.
Key points
- President Tinubu warns police against being used for political interests ahead of 2027 elections.
- The President emphasizes the need for police impartiality and professionalism to ensure public confidence and election credibility.
- Tinubu tasks police to produce a roadmap for election security and operational preparedness.
