2027 Elections: Police Assure Nigerians of Neutrality, Pledge Professionalism For Credible and Violence-Free Polls

By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters

The Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and credible electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections, pledging strict neutrality and professionalism in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.

The assurance was given by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu during a strategic engagement with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), at the Force Headquarters where both institutions emphasized the importance of collaboration in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.

Describing the meeting as “timely and strategic,” the Police noted that preparations were already underway as the country gradually enters the build-up phase to the 2027 elections, despite pending off-cycle polls.

“The election remains one of the most critical pillars of constitutional democracy and national stability. The credibility of any election is dependent on public trust, professionalism of electoral management, neutrality of security agencies, and responsible conduct of political actors,” the IGP stated.

Reaffirming its position as the lead agency in election security, he said he fully understands the enormous responsibility placed on the force and expressed the force preparedness to discharge its duties diligently.

“I give you the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure free, fair, and credible elections. Under the current leadership, we will remain professional, impartial, and guided strictly by the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and all extant laws,” he added.

The further  stressed that it has no political interest, assuring that no party, candidate, or interest group would receive preferential treatment.

“Any officer found engaging in partisan conduct or unethical practices will face disciplinary and legal consequences,” he warned.

While calling on INEC to urgently release the electoral timetable, the Police noted that early publication would enable better planning across all stakeholders, including intelligence mapping, logistics coordination, personnel training, and identification of potential flashpoints.

“Timely dissemination of the electoral schedule will allow us to intensify preparations and strengthen operational efficiency,” the Force said.

The IGP also advocated stronger inter-agency collaboration, acknowledging that election security cannot be handled in isolation.

“We cannot do it alone. We are ready to collaborate with all relevant agencies. Joint training, shared responsibilities, and coordinated strategies will be key,” he stated, recommending regular strategic meetings at national, state, and local government levels.

Highlighting emerging security concerns, the Police revealed that it had commenced nationwide threat assessments, identifying risks such as political violence, cult-related activities, arms proliferation, misinformation, cyber manipulation, and attacks on electoral infrastructure.

“We will adopt intelligence-led deployment and preventive policing strategies to neutralize these threats before they materialize,” it assured.

The Force further pledged to protect electoral personnel, materials, and infrastructure, including INEC officials, ad hoc staff, collation centres, and ICT systems.

Reiterating its zero-tolerance stance on electoral offences, the Police warned that acts such as ballot snatching, voter intimidation, and destruction of materials would be met with strict enforcement of the law.

“Individuals involved in electoral violence or misconduct will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” he emphasized.

On capacity building, he disclosed that intensive training programmes had already commenced for officers assigned to election duties, with specialized modules designed for various operational roles.

As part of broader peace-building efforts, the Force also indicated plans to engage political parties in signing peace accords and participating in sensitization programmes aimed at promoting responsible conduct before, during, and after the elections.