The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, has warned politicians against hiring thugs, buying votes or threatening voters and electoral officials ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Disu issued the warning on Monday at the sixth conference and retreat for senior police officers in Owerri, Imo State.
He said the police would not tolerate electoral offences, regardless of the status or influence of those involved.
“To politicians and their supporters, my message is simple. Compete with ideas, not with thugs,” he said.
“Do not hire mobs, buy votes, move arms or threaten voters and electoral officials. The police will act against anyone who does that, whatever their status.”
The IGP said the police would work with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate vote-buying and other forms of electoral inducement.
He added that suspects arrested for electoral offences would be prosecuted rather than simply paraded or arrested.
“Arrest is not enough; we will work with INEC, EFCC, and ICPC to investigate vote buying and inducement. We will also work with prosecutors so that those arrested will face trial, not just headlines,” Disu said.
He identified impunity as a major factor encouraging electoral crimes and urged Nigerians to participate peacefully while reporting violations.
“Impunity is the greatest encouragement of electoral crimes. To the people of Nigeria, go out, vote peacefully and report wrongdoing.”
Police unveil six-pillar election framework
Disu also unveiled a six-pillar framework to guide police operations during the 2027 elections.
The framework focuses on strengthened intelligence and early-warning systems, intensive training and preparedness, joint command and inter-agency coordination, effective communication and technology deployment, sustained community partnerships, and absolute neutrality.
The conference was attended by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, representatives of other security agencies and government officials.
The IGP’s remarks come as security and electoral agencies prepare for the 2027 general elections, with electoral violence, vote-buying and intimidation remaining key issues in election security discussions.
