2027 Elections: Police Threaten Arrests Over Political Violence, Campaign Poster Destruction
The Lagos State Police Command has warned politicians and their supporters against electoral violence and the destruction of campaign posters ahead of the 2027 general elections, threatening to arrest and prosecute offenders.
The Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, issued the warning on Thursday at the 2027 General Election Stakeholders’ Security Engagement held at POWA Hall in Ikeja.
Tijani said the command would not tolerate political thuggery, voter intimidation or any activity capable of disrupting public peace before, during and after the elections.
He assured residents that the police were prepared to provide security for political campaigns, rallies, candidates, electoral officials and the movement of election materials across the state.
According to him, the command had identified areas vulnerable to political violence and was strengthening intelligence gathering and operational strategies to prevent security breaches.
The police commissioner urged political parties and candidates to notify the command before holding rallies and campaigns to enable officers to make adequate security arrangements and prevent clashes.
He specifically warned against the destruction of campaign posters and billboards, stressing that anyone found responsible would face the law.
“Anyone involved in electoral violence will be arrested and prosecuted, irrespective of political affiliation or status,” Tijani said.
The commissioner also cautioned politicians, bloggers and social media users against spreading misinformation, manipulating video footage or circulating inflammatory content capable of inciting violence.
He urged young people to resist attempts by politicians or their associates to recruit them as political thugs, warning that those who organised, mobilised or encouraged others to engage in violence could also be held accountable.
Tijani called on political parties and members of the public to report threats of electoral violence, voter intimidation and other security concerns to the police promptly.
He further urged political parties to control their supporters and cooperate with security agencies to ensure peaceful political activities throughout the election period.
The police chief appealed to journalists to report responsibly and encouraged residents to provide credible security information that could help prevent potential threats.
Reaffirming the command’s neutrality, Tijani said the police would discharge their duties professionally without favouring any political party or candidate.
INEC Urges Stakeholders to Maintain Peace Ahead of 2027 Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Lagos State, Professor Ayobami Salami, also called on political parties and other stakeholders to preserve the peaceful atmosphere in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Salami said Lagos had remained largely peaceful since the commencement of the electoral cycle, expressing confidence that INEC would conduct an election that residents and stakeholders would be proud of.
He urged members of the public to verify information before acting on it or sharing reports capable of creating unnecessary tension.
The REC referred to a media report concerning the display of voter-related materials in some areas, explaining that he contacted INEC officials on the ground to establish the facts.
According to Salami, the officials informed him that the reports were inaccurate.
He therefore encouraged political parties and other stakeholders to verify election-related information with the relevant authorities before disseminating it.
Salami assured the public that INEC was preparing for the forthcoming elections and remained committed to conducting a peaceful, free, fair and credible electoral process.
He said the commission was determined to organise an election that would earn the confidence of political parties, residents and other stakeholders.
Security Agencies Attend Election Stakeholders’ Meeting
Representatives of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Federal Road Safety Corps and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps attended the meeting.
Other participants included INEC officials, political party representatives, members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria and transport workers.
The engagement brought electoral stakeholders and security agencies together to discuss measures for preventing political violence and maintaining peace as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue.
