President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emphasized the need for the Nigeria Police Force to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and impartiality in the discharge of its responsibilities ahead of the 2027 General Elections. He made this statement at the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Owerri, Imo State. The address was delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
President Tinubu stressed that the Police must never be seen as an instrument of any political interest. He noted that every Nigerian, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, social status, or geographical location, must feel protected by the Police. The President's statement was conveyed through the spokesman of the SGF, Yomi Odunuga.
The President highlighted that the neutrality and professionalism of the Force are fundamental to public confidence and the credibility of the nation's democracy. He emphasized that the police must be seen as a national institution serving the Nigerian people and protecting the constitutional order. This, he said, is fundamental to public trust and the credibility of Nigeria's democracy.
President Tinubu also spoke on the theme of the conference, "Developing a Nigeria Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Elections". He noted that the 2027 elections would require careful preparation, professionalism, impartiality, intelligence-led operations, and close coordination among security and electoral stakeholders. The President assured that the Federal Government would provide the necessary support to enable the Force to effectively discharge its responsibilities.
According to President Tinubu, securing the electoral process 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. The President reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to ongoing police reforms.
President Tinubu stressed that meaningful reform requires 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, 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 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.
Key points
- President Tinubu charges Nigeria Police to maintain professionalism and impartiality ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
- The President emphasizes the need for the Police to be seen as a national institution serving the Nigerian people.
- The Federal Government reaffirms its commitment to ongoing police reforms.
