Isiyaku Ahmed
The Kano State Police Command has warned political parties, candidates and their supporters against violence, hate speech, misinformation and other acts capable of undermining peace during the 2027 general elections.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, gave the warning on Thursday at a strategic stakeholders’ engagement meeting with political party leaders, contestants, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organizations (CSOs) and other security agencies in Kano.
The meeting, held at the Police Officers’ Mess, Bompai, was aimed at strengthening collaboration among stakeholders and developing strategies for peaceful, credible and violence-free elections in the state.
CP Bakori said the commencement of political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections made early engagement with critical stakeholders necessary to prevent tensions from escalating.
He described Kano as one of the most politically active and populous states in the country, stressing that developments in the state could have implications for the wider nation.
The Police Commissioner urged political leaders and candidates to ensure that their campaigns remained issue-based and free from ethnic, religious and political incitement.
He particularly warned against the spread of fake news and provocative statements online and offline, urging political actors and their supporters to verify information before sharing it.
CP Bakori also called for zero tolerance for political thuggery, clashes, destruction of campaign materials and attacks on political opponents.
“Let us compete with ideas and records of service, not with force and intimidation,” he said.
The commissioner further urged political parties to respect the rule of law and electoral guidelines, stressing that no individual or group was above the law.
He said the police and other security agencies would enforce relevant electoral laws without fear or favour, while advising political parties to familiarize themselves with the guidelines of INEC and obtain necessary permits for rallies and processions in line with public safety requirements.
CP Bakori also tasked political leaders with taking responsibility for the conduct of their supporters, including youth groups, social media influencers and party structures.
He warned that the Command would hold party leadership accountable for actions by their members capable of threatening public peace.
The Commissioner assured political parties of a level playing field, describing the Command’s approach as “firm, fair, professional and apolitical.”
According to him, the police would deploy adequate personnel to protect INEC facilities, candidates and campaign venues, while intelligence gathering and proactive policing would be intensified across identified political flashpoints.
He also disclosed plans to establish a dedicated Election Security Situation Room and a Complaint Response Desk to ensure prompt response to emerging threats and complaints.
The Command, he added, would work closely with INEC, IPAC, CSOs, community leaders and other security agencies to monitor developments and de-escalate tensions.
CP Bakori warned that the police would not hesitate to arrest and prosecute anyone, irrespective of status, involved in acts capable of breaching public peace, including incitement, mischief and electoral offences.
He urged stakeholders to protect Kano’s reputation for political maturity and ensure that the 2027 elections did not undermine the state’s peace and stability.
The Commissioner called on participants to return to their respective parties and constituencies with the message: “Peace First. Kano First. Nigeria First.”
He also urged stakeholders to commit themselves to a peace pact and work towards making the 2027 electoral process in Kano a model for other states.
The engagement brought together political parties, contestants, electoral officials, civil society groups, the media and security agencies as part of efforts to strengthen preparations for the 2027 elections.
