President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the Nigeria Police Force to remain impartial and professional in the 2027 general elections. Speaking at the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Owerri, Imo State, Tinubu emphasized that the Police's loyalty must be to the Nigerian people and the constitutional order. He stressed that every Nigerian must enjoy equal protection from the Police, regardless of their political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, social status, or geographical location.
The conference, themed "Developing a Nigeria Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Elections," aimed to develop strategies for policing the 2027 elections. Tinubu's message was delivered through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. The President highlighted the importance of the Police's neutrality and professionalism in maintaining public confidence in the electoral process and the credibility of Nigeria's democracy.
Tinubu outlined the critical components of election security, including protecting citizens, safeguarding electoral officials and materials, creating an environment for peaceful campaigns, preventing violence and intimidation, and ensuring that every Nigerian can participate in the democratic process without fear. He assured the Police of the Federal Government's support in effectively discharging their electoral security responsibilities.
The President pledged continued Federal Government support for reforms aimed at strengthening the operational capacity, professionalism, welfare, and institutional effectiveness of the Police. He emphasized that meaningful police reform required sustained investment in personnel, training, technology, intelligence infrastructure, operational logistics, welfare, and institutional systems.
Tinubu tasked the Police to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve response times, deepen community engagement, deploy technology, and enhance inter-agency cooperation. He commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Police Management Team for their efforts to reposition the Force and respond to emerging security threats.
The President acknowledged the sacrifices of officers confronting various crimes across the country, particularly those who had lost their lives in the line of duty. He urged officers to strengthen public confidence through discipline, accountability, professionalism, and respect for citizens' rights and dignity.
Tinubu charged senior officers at the retreat to develop a practical roadmap that would strengthen election security, improve operational preparedness, and deepen public confidence. He emphasized that the objective should extend beyond the 2027 polls to building a modern, professional, technology-enabled, intelligence-driven, and citizen-centered police service capable of responding to the security demands of a rapidly changing society.
Key points
- President Tinubu warns the Nigeria Police Force against serving political interests in the 2027 general elections.
- The President emphasizes the importance of the Police's neutrality and professionalism in maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.
- Tinubu pledges continued Federal Government support for police reforms aimed at strengthening operational capacity, professionalism, welfare, and institutional effectiveness.
