Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Police Command has drawn a firm security line ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning political parties, candidates and their supporters that hate speech, fake news, intimidation, destruction of campaign materials and violence will attract decisive enforcement action.
The warning was issued on Monday at a strategic security meeting between the command and chairmen of political parties in the state, where the police declared that no political interest would be allowed to jeopardise public peace or exploit existing security challenges for electoral advantage.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Hassan Shafa, said the command was fully prepared to provide a secure environment for political activities, but stressed that political actors must equally demonstrate responsibility and respect for the law throughout the electoral cycle.
Shafa cautioned politicians against inflammatory rhetoric capable of aggravating ethnic, religious, communal or political divisions, insisting that campaign platforms must not be transformed into theatres of confrontation.
“There is no room for hate speech, false information, destruction of campaign banners or brandishing of weapons. The era of political violence is over, and the police will deal decisively with anyone found wanting,” he warned.
The Commissioner maintained that electoral contests should be fought through ideas, policies, programmes and the competence of candidates rather than through threats, physical attacks, character assassination or the mobilisation of supporters for violent confrontation.
He further described security as a collective responsibility, urging political parties to establish functional channels of communication with security agencies and promptly share credible information that could assist in preventing attacks and other criminal activities.
“Security is partnership. We should give all necessary information that will lead to the successful conduct of the election in the state,” Shafa told the party leaders.
He also warned political actors against turning insecurity in vulnerable communities into a weapon for political propaganda, saying irresponsible comments could deepen fear, inflame tensions and expose innocent residents to further danger.
The Commissioner specifically mentioned Rabah, Isa, Sabon Birni, Tureta, Kebbe, Gudu and Shagari Local Government Areas as communities that have experienced security challenges, urging politicians to exercise maximum restraint when commenting on developments in the affected areas.
“The happenings in Rabah, Isa, Sabon Birni, Tureta, Kebbe, Gudu and Shagari should not be used as a yardstick for making derogatory comments against opponents. We are all witnesses to the security challenges facing those areas,” he said.
Shafa equally placed a burden of responsibility on political leaders to control their supporters, particularly during rallies, processions and other campaign activities, warning that political influence must never be used to expose supporters or members of the public to unnecessary risks.
“You should protect your supporters, not endanger them during political rallies and campaigns. You should be ambassadors of peace, not destruction,” the Commissioner admonished.
The command consequently urged all political stakeholders to embrace tolerance, responsible communication and peaceful competition, while assuring the electorate that security agencies would remain neutral in political contests but uncompromising in enforcing the law against offenders.
The NDC State Chairman, Bello Labaran Gwadabawa, in his contribution, urged the police to replicate the security measures adopted during the 2023 elections, particularly the restriction of weapons at campaign venues.
Gwadabawa said political thugs should not be permitted to enter campaign grounds with weapons, including ordinary sticks, arguing that strict enforcement of such measures would significantly reduce the likelihood of violence during campaigns and the elections.
Other political party representatives who spoke at the meeting pledged to abide by the rules governing political activities and work with security agencies to ensure peaceful campaigns and a credible electoral process.
More than 16 political parties were represented at the strategic meeting held at the Sokoto State Police Command headquarters, underscoring the growing security concerns surrounding the 2027 electoral season and the need for collective commitment to peaceful democratic competition.
