The Inspector General of the Nigeria Police, IGP, Usman Alkali has urged the independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to take decisive actions against Candidates and Political Parties that violate the Electoral Acts.
He also asked INEC to look into the activities of parties in relation to hate speeches; campaign fundings regulations; supporting, or inciting violence; and depriving political opponents of basic electoral rights guaranteed under the Act.
The Inspector-General of Police IGP Usman Alkali made this known in a meeting with Political Party Leaders and other Political Actors in the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
IGP Alkali said following a noticeable trend within the national political space which, if not promptly addressed could threaten National Security and the electoral process.
He said it has become imperative to discuss strategies and regulations surrounding election security, especially, with all registered Political Parties in the Country.
The IGP revealed that political violence has manifested in the past, as violence targeted at the personnel and assets of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as recently witnessed in Ogun and Osun States.
He analysed another form of political violence to be intolerance and violence, which often become pronounced during campaigns, elections, and post-elections phases.
“It is on record that not less than fifty-two (52) cases of such politically-motivated, intra, and inter-party violence has been recorded across twenty-two (22) states since the official commencement of campaigns for the 2023 General Elections on 28th September, 2022.”
”The last form of political violence relates to the conduct of some State Governors who manifest traits of political intolerance which often manifests in form of political tension. “
He pointed out that intelligence has revealed that some State Governors who encouraged political thugs and sub-national security outfits under their control to disrupt seamless and statutorily guaranteed campaign activities of parties or candidates with whom they hold opposing political views.
Alkali acknowledged that any political violence in any form, shape or manifests as an offence under the electoral act and a crime under extant criminal laws of the country.
Consequently, the Nigeria Police Force and all other national security agencies in fulfilment of their statutory obligations to the nation are to enforce and restore order within the political and national security systems.
Deter Targeted Attacks
He said that Security Agencies have resolved to emplace firm actions that would deter targeted attacks on INEC assets across the country.
“This is a clarion call both to Security Agencies and Political actors to speak out with one voice in condemning political violence in overriding national security and democratic interests,” the police boss stated.
“Nigeria Police Force will be working in collaboration with other security agencies to enhance intelligence gathering, sharing and utilisation of same action against purveyors of hate speech, incitement to violence, mobilisation of thugs and other violations including the prompt arrest, investigation, and prosecution of offenders in line with the provisions of Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act 2022 as amended. Those already arrested will face prosecution,” he explained.
He said the leadership of each political parties were critical to eradicating the menace of political intolerance, threat, violence and other negative tendencies in the country.
”It is for this reason that the Police appeal to the leadership of all political parties to be determined to show the right leadership virtues and publicly dissociate themselves from acts of political brigandage and violence as this is the only way we can reassure our citizens and the international community of our nation’s commitment to a peaceful 2023 General Elections.”
The IGP similarly appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission to, in cognisance of their critical regulatory, enforcement and supervisory roles as enshrined in the Electoral Act 2022, assert their statutory powers, and scale up their compliance actions towards complementing the Nigeria Police and other law enforcement agencies.
He said it would also checkmate threats to our democratic order by actors within the political system.
The police leader enjoined INEC to take decisive actions against candidates and parties that violate the Electoral Act in the areas of conduct of political parties.
Lateefah Ibrahim
