Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu has warned politicians and their supporters against employing thugs, buying votes or threatening voters and electoral officials during the 2027 general elections.
Disu issued the warning on Monday while speaking at the sixth conference and retreat for senior police officers in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
The event was attended by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, representatives of other security agencies and other government officials.
The IGP urged political actors to focus on presenting ideas to voters rather than resorting to violence, intimidation or other forms of electoral malpractice.
“To politicians and their supporters, my message is simple. Compete with ideas, not with thugs,” he said.
“Do not hire mobs, buy votes, move arms or threaten voters and electoral officials. The police will act against anyone who does that, whatever their status.
“Arrest is not enough; we will work with INEC, EFCC, and ICPC to investigate vote buying and inducement. We will also work with prosecutors so that those arrested will face trial, not just headlines.
“Impunity is the greatest encouragement of electoral crimes. To the people of Nigeria, go out, vote peacefully and report wrongdoing.”
Disu said the police would work with the Independent National Electoral Commission, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to investigate cases of vote-buying and voter inducement during the forthcoming election.
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He added that individuals arrested for electoral offences would be prosecuted regardless of their political position or status.
The police chief also unveiled a six-pillar framework designed to guide the force’s preparations and operations during the 2027 elections.
The framework focuses on strengthening intelligence gathering and early-warning mechanisms, improving training and operational preparedness, enhancing joint command and coordination among security agencies, and deploying effective communication and technology.
Other areas covered by the framework are sustained engagement with communities and maintaining absolute neutrality throughout the electoral process.