Commissioner says offenders will be prosecuted regardless of political affiliation as INEC urges stakeholders to verify information ahead of 2027 polls.
By Heapnews
The Lagos State Police Command has warned political actors against electoral violence, voter intimidation and the destruction of campaign posters ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, threatening arrest and prosecution for offenders.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police Fatai Tijani issued the warning on Thursday at a security engagement with stakeholders in Ikeja, saying the command would not tolerate acts capable of disrupting public peace before, during or after the elections.
“Anyone involved in electoral violence will be arrested and prosecuted, irrespective of political affiliation or status,” Tijani said.
He said the police were prepared to provide security for campaigns, rallies, candidates, electoral officials and the movement of election materials.
The command had identified areas vulnerable to political violence and would strengthen intelligence gathering and operational strategies to prevent threats and respond to security breaches, he said.
Tijani urged political parties and candidates to notify the police ahead of rallies and campaigns to enable security planning and prevent clashes.
He also cautioned political actors, bloggers and social media users against spreading misinformation, manipulating videos and circulating inflammatory content that could incite violence.
The commissioner urged young people to resist recruitment as political thugs, warning that those who mobilised or encouraged others to engage in violence could also face prosecution.
He called on political parties to control their supporters and urged the public to report threats, voter intimidation and other security concerns to the police.
Tijani also appealed to the media to report responsibly and called for greater cooperation among security agencies, reiterating that the police would remain professional and impartial.
Separately, the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner in Lagos State, Ayobami Salami, urged political parties and other stakeholders to help sustain peace in the state.
Salami said Lagos had remained largely peaceful since the start of the electoral cycle and expressed confidence that the commission would conduct an election that residents and stakeholders would be proud of.
He urged the public to verify information before acting on or sharing reports that could cause unnecessary concern.
The REC cited a media report about the display of voter-related materials in some areas, saying he had contacted INEC officials on the ground and was told the reports were inaccurate.
He urged political parties and other stakeholders to confirm such information with relevant authorities before circulating it.
Salami said INEC was prepared for the elections and committed to delivering a peaceful, free, fair and credible process that would earn public confidence.
Representatives of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Federal Road Safety Corps and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps attended the meeting.
INEC officials, political party representatives, members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria and transport workers were also present.