The Sokoto State Police Command has issued a warning to political parties and their supporters regarding the necessity of refraining from violence, hate speech, misinformation, and any other actions that may jeopardise the peaceful execution of the 2027 general elections.
He said the meeting was aimed at formalising a framework for peaceful political campaigns, stressing that elections should be a contest of ideas and not a war to be won through force.
The CP, who said the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, had directed a new era of professional election security management, urged political parties to recommit themselves to the National Peace Accord.
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He called on party leaders to promote issue-based campaigns and shun insults, hate speech, character assassination and the spread of false information.
According to the CP, party chairmen would be held accountable for the conduct of their supporters, including youth groups and social media influencers, where such activities threaten public peace.
“The days of looking the other way are over. Your control over your followers is the first line of defence against chaos,” he said.
The Commissioner also declared zero tolerance for thuggery, destruction of campaign materials, display of weapons and the use of private security outfits at political rallies.
He said the Police would enforce the Electoral Act 2022 without fear or favour, warning that anyone who violated the law would face the consequences.
The CP urged political parties to cooperate with security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) by providing timely intelligence on potential flashpoints and emerging threats.
He further cautioned parties against organising activities that could worsen insecurity in areas already affected by banditry, including the Sabon Birni, Rabah, Kebbe, Tureta and Isa axes.
The Commissioner urged political actors to protect voters and avoid turning vulnerable communities into battlegrounds for political contests.
He said the success of the elections depended on the collective responsibility of political parties, security agencies and other stakeholders.
“We need you to leave this hall and become ambassadors of peace within your parties.
“Tell your supporters this: Sokoto is bigger than any candidate. We must emerge from these elections with our unity intact, not our state divided,” he said.
He expressed confidence that with the cooperation of political parties and other stakeholders, Sokoto could conduct elections that would serve as a model of civility and peaceful democratic participation for the country.
Speaking, the party leaders commended the Commissioner of Police for convening the meeting, describing it as timely and crucial to ensuring a peaceful electoral process.
They also appealed to the government and relevant authorities to take necessary measures to restore lasting security in Sokoto and other parts of the country.
According to the parties, improved security is essential to enabling eligible Nigerians to participate fully in the 2027 general elections without fear or intimidation.
The party stakeholders stressed the need for security agencies to discharge their responsibilities professionally and impartially throughout the electoral process.
