Police warn against violence, hate speech ahead of 2027 polls

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The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 4, Makurdi, Morris Dankombo, has warned political actors against violence, misinformation and inflammatory statements ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Dankombo gave the warning on Tuesday in Lafia during a stakeholders’ engagement with the Nasarawa State Police Command and other critical stakeholders as part of his familiarisation tour of the state.

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He urged political party leaders and their supporters to conduct their activities responsibly and peacefully, stressing that political differences should not be allowed to endanger lives and property.

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“As we approach the election season, I wish to appeal to all the political party chairmen and political leaders to continue to strive for peace and ensure that their political activities are conducted responsibly and peacefully,” he said.

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The AIG cautioned political actors against spreading misinformation, inflammatory religious statements and tribal comments capable of creating tension, division and conflict among the people.

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He said the Nigeria Police Force had a constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property and maintain law and order, assuring that the police would not allow the state to be turned into a battleground by political actors or their supporters.

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Dankombo encouraged political parties to embrace dialogue, respect the rule of law and ensure that the pursuit of political interests did not come at the expense of peace and security.

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He said the police would continue to strengthen community policing, intelligence gathering and engagement with stakeholders to identify and address security threats before they escalated.

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The AIG urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, traders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to provide credible and timely information on suspicious movements and activities to the police.

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He said such collaboration was particularly important because the police could not be everywhere at all times, adding that effective policing required the active participation and confidence of the people.

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Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa, Mohammed Shetima, said the AIG’s visit was timely, particularly as the country gradually approached another crucial electoral cycle.

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Shetima said the command remained committed to providing a level playing field for all political parties and candidates, while upholding neutrality, professionalism, impartiality and respect for the rule of law.

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He urged political stakeholders to educate their supporters to shun violence, political thuggery, hate speech and misinformation before, during and after the elections.

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The commissioner also directed police officers to maintain strict professionalism and impartiality at polling units, campaign grounds, rallies, processions and other election-related locations.

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He assured that the command would work with sister security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), traditional institutions and other stakeholders to ensure peace and security before, during and after the 2027 general elections.

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(NAN)

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