LAGOS/Nigeria: The Lagos State Police Command has warned political parties, candidates and their supporters that destroying campaign posters or engaging in electoral violence could lead to arrest and prosecution ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Commissioner of Police Fatai Tijani issued the warning during a stakeholders’ security engagement organised in Ikeja on Thursday, as security agencies and electoral officials discussed preparations for the forthcoming polls.
Tijani said the command would not tolerate political thuggery, voter intimidation or other activities capable of disrupting public peace before, during or after the elections.
He said the police were strengthening intelligence gathering and operational planning to address potential security threats, adding that areas considered vulnerable to political violence had been identified.
The commissioner urged political parties and candidates to inform the police ahead of planned rallies and campaigns to allow adequate security arrangements and reduce the risk of clashes.
He also cautioned political actors, bloggers and social media users against circulating false information, manipulating videos or publishing inflammatory content that could provoke violence.
“Anyone involved in electoral violence will be arrested and prosecuted, irrespective of political affiliation or status,” Tijani said.
The police chief warned young people against allowing themselves to be recruited as political thugs, noting that individuals who encouraged or organised violence could also be held accountable.
He called on political parties to take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters and urged residents to report threats, voter intimidation and other security concerns promptly to the appropriate authorities.
Tijani reaffirmed the command’s commitment to professional and impartial policing, saying security arrangements would cover political campaigns, rallies, candidates, electoral officials and the movement of election materials.
He also urged journalists to verify information and report responsibly to avoid escalating tensions during the election period.
At the meeting, the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Lagos State, Professor Ayobami Salami, appealed to political parties and other stakeholders to help preserve peace as preparations for the elections continue.
Salami said Lagos had remained largely peaceful since the electoral cycle began and expressed confidence that INEC would conduct an election that residents and stakeholders could regard positively.
He urged members of the public to confirm reports with relevant authorities before sharing information that could cause unnecessary alarm.
The REC referred to a media report concerning the display of voter-related materials in some locations, saying he had contacted INEC officials on the ground and was informed that the reports were inaccurate.
He urged journalists, political parties and members of the public to seek clarification from the commission before circulating claims about electoral activities.
Salami said INEC was preparing for the forthcoming elections and remained committed to a peaceful, free, fair and credible process.
The engagement drew representatives of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Federal Road Safety Corps and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, alongside INEC officials, political party representatives, youth groups and transport workers.
The meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss election security and the need for cooperation among political parties, electoral authorities, security agencies, the media and the public.
