The Lagos State Police Command has warned that anyone caught destroying political campaign posters or engaging in electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections will be arrested and prosecuted, regardless of political affiliation or status.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Tijani, gave the warning at the 2027 General Election Stakeholders’ Security Engagement held at POWA Hall, Ikeja, on Thursday.
Tijani said the command would not tolerate political thuggery, voter intimidation or any act capable of disrupting public peace before, during and after the elections.
He said the police were prepared to provide security for political campaigns, rallies, candidates, electoral officials and the movement of election materials.
According to him, the command has identified areas vulnerable to political violence and is strengthening intelligence gathering and operational strategies to prevent threats and respond promptly to security breaches.
The commissioner urged political parties and candidates to notify the police in advance of planned campaigns and rallies to enable the command to make adequate security arrangements and prevent clashes.
He specifically warned against the destruction of political campaign posters and billboards, stressing that offenders would be made to face the law.
“Anyone involved in electoral violence will be arrested and prosecuted, irrespective of political affiliation or status,” he said.
Tijani also cautioned political actors, bloggers and social media users against spreading misinformation, manipulating videos and circulating inflammatory content capable of inciting violence.
He urged youths not to allow themselves to be recruited as political thugs, warning that those who mobilised or encouraged others to commit violence could also be held accountable.
The police commissioner called on political parties to control their supporters and urged stakeholders to promptly report threats of political violence, voter intimidation and other security concerns to the command.
He also appealed to the media to uphold responsible reporting and urged members of the public to provide credible security information to the police.
Tijani reaffirmed the command’s commitment to professionalism and impartiality, stressing that the police would not favour any political party or candidate.
Also speaking, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner in Lagos State, Prof. Ayobami Salami, urged political parties and other stakeholders to sustain the peaceful atmosphere in the state ahead of the elections.
Salami said Lagos had remained largely peaceful since the commencement of the electoral cycle, expressing confidence that INEC would conduct an election that residents and stakeholders would be proud of.
He urged the public to verify information before acting on or circulating reports that could cause unnecessary concern.
The REC cited a media report concerning the display of voter-related materials in some areas, saying he contacted INEC officials on the ground and was informed that the reports were inaccurate.
He advised political parties and other stakeholders to verify information with relevant authorities before disseminating it to avoid spreading misinformation.
Salami said INEC was prepared for the forthcoming elections and remained committed to conducting a peaceful, free, fair and credible electoral process that would earn the confidence of stakeholders.
2027 Elections: Lagos Police Threaten Arrests Over Poster Destruction
The Lagos State Police Command has warned that anyone caught destroying political campaign posters or engaging in electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections will be arrested and prosecuted, regardless of political affiliation or status.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Tijani, gave the warning at the 2027 General Election Stakeholders’ Security Engagement held at POWA Hall, Ikeja, on Thursday.
Tijani said the command would not tolerate political thuggery, voter intimidation or any act capable of disrupting public peace before, during and after the elections.
He said the police were prepared to provide security for political campaigns, rallies, candidates, electoral officials and the movement of election materials.
According to him, the command has identified areas vulnerable to political violence and is strengthening intelligence gathering and operational strategies to prevent threats and respond promptly to security breaches.
The commissioner urged political parties and candidates to notify the police in advance of planned campaigns and rallies to enable the command to make adequate security arrangements and prevent clashes.
He specifically warned against the destruction of political campaign posters and billboards, stressing that offenders would be made to face the law.
“Anyone involved in electoral violence will be arrested and prosecuted, irrespective of political affiliation or status,” he said.
Tijani also cautioned political actors, bloggers and social media users against spreading misinformation, manipulating videos and circulating inflammatory content capable of inciting violence.
He urged youths not to allow themselves to be recruited as political thugs, warning that those who mobilised or encouraged others to commit violence could also be held accountable.
The police commissioner called on political parties to control their supporters and urged stakeholders to promptly report threats of political violence, voter intimidation and other security concerns to the command.
He also appealed to the media to uphold responsible reporting and urged members of the public to provide credible security information to the police.
Tijani reaffirmed the command’s commitment to professionalism and impartiality, stressing that the police would not favour any political party or candidate.
Also speaking, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner in Lagos State, Prof. Ayobami Salami, urged political parties and other stakeholders to sustain the peaceful atmosphere in the state ahead of the elections.
Salami said Lagos had remained largely peaceful since the commencement of the electoral cycle, expressing confidence that INEC would conduct an election that residents and stakeholders would be proud of.
He urged the public to verify information before acting on or circulating reports that could cause unnecessary concern.
The REC cited a media report concerning the display of voter-related materials in some areas, saying he contacted INEC officials on the ground and was informed that the reports were inaccurate.
He advised political parties and other stakeholders to verify information with relevant authorities before disseminating it to avoid spreading misinformation.
Salami said INEC was prepared for the forthcoming elections and remained committed to conducting a peaceful, free, fair and credible electoral process that would earn the confidence of stakeholders.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Federal Road Safety Corps and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Other participants included INEC officials, political party representatives, members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria and transport workers.1800-lagos-enforcement-officers-to-respect-citizens-rights/”>Sanwo-Olu Charges 1,800 Lagos Enforcement Officers to Respect Citizens’ Rights
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The meeting was attended by representatives of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Federal Road Safety Corps and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Other participants included INEC officials, political party representatives, members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria and transport workers.
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