The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has encouraged Nigerian youths to promote peaceful and responsible political participation ahead of the 2027 elections, urging them to embrace constructive engagement both online and offline.
IGP Disu made this known at the National Youth Leadership and Security Dialogue organised by the Nigeria Police Force to commemorate International Youth Day 2026, with the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” and the campaign, “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery.”
The IGP said the dialogue was particularly important as Nigeria approaches another electoral season, stressing that young Nigerians would ultimately bear the consequences of political violence long after politicians had settled their differences.
“As we approach the 2027 electoral cycle, I urge you to remember a simple but profound reality: politicians contest elections, but you live with the consequences of those elections,” Disu said.
He stated: “Do not allow anyone to use your youth to fight a battle that ultimately destroys your own future.”
According to him, the Nigeria Police Force recognises the constitutional rights of citizens to participate in political activities, support political parties and campaign for candidates, provided such activities remain peaceful and lawful.
“Our responsibility is to create the security environment in which these democratic rights can be exercised freely and safely,” he said.
Disu, however, warned that the police would not tolerate the use of youths as instruments of violence during the electoral process.
“But let me be equally clear: We will not protect violence.
“We will not tolerate the recruitment or mobilisation of young Nigerians for political violence. We will not tolerate the possession or use of weapons for electoral purposes, attacks on political opponents, intimidation of voters, destruction of public or private property, or any other criminal conduct disguised as political participation.”
He also appealed to political leaders across the political spectrum not to recruit, arm or finance youths to carry out acts of violence.
“Do not recruit our young people to fight your political battles. Do not arm them. Do not finance violence. Do not incite them against their fellow citizens,” Disu said.
“Political violence is no longer confined to the streets. It can begin on a smartphone.
“Before you forward a message, verify it. Before you publish an allegation, establish the facts. Think Before you Click, Verify Before You Post.”
He said young Nigerians had significant power to influence public discourse, challenge injustice, mobilise communities, develop businesses and technology, influence public policy and shape the country’s future.
“You have a choice. You can choose to be used, or you can choose to lead. You can choose violence, or you can choose peace. You can choose destruction, or you can choose innovation,” the IGP said.
He called for stronger police-youth partnerships, saying the initiative was not merely about telling young people what to avoid but about providing constructive alternatives.
“The Nigeria Police Force wants to engage young Nigerians as partners in building safer communities; partners in preventing violence; partners in combating cybercrime; partners in promoting responsible digital citizenship; partners in protecting vulnerable persons; and partners in strengthening peaceful democratic participation,” Disu stated.
The IGP charged youths to reject recruitment into violence, refuse to carry weapons for political interests, avoid misinformation and hate-driven digital activity, and participate actively and lawfully in democracy.
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“Your future is not yours alone. Your future is Nigeria’s future,” he said.
Disu urged young Nigerians to ensure that history remembers their generation as one that rejected political manipulation, embraced peace and innovation, protected democracy and contributed to building a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, underscored the connection between youth development and national security, saying Nigeria’s young population represents a critical national asset.
“We commend the distinguished Inspector General of Police for recognising a fundamental fact, which is that youth development is national security, and youth inclusion is building,” Olawande said.
He said the country’s young population represented the human capital upon which Nigeria’s security, prosperity and future stability depend.
According to the minister, when young people are given opportunities, responsibility and a stake in society, they contribute to national progress, while failure to provide such opportunities can create conditions that undermine security.
He said the Federal Ministry of Youth Development was committed to partnerships linking youth empowerment with peace, security, civic responsibility, skills development, entrepreneurship and leadership.
“I consider this not merely a conference, but a call to national dignity,” Olawande said.
He pledged the ministry’s readiness to work with the Nigeria Police Force and other stakeholders to advance initiatives demonstrating that “a secure Nigeria must be built with its young people, not merely for them.”
The programme brought together stakeholders from government, security agencies, civil society, the private sector and youth organisations to discuss youth leadership, peace, security and responsible participation in national affairs
