Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has warned politicians, political parties and their supporters against vote buying, electoral violence, intimidation and other activities that could undermine the integrity of the 2027 general elections.
Disu issued the warning during the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Owerri, Imo State, where he called for stronger intelligence gathering, professional policing and effective coordination among security agencies ahead of the elections.
The IGP said the Nigeria Police Force would take firm action against activities capable of disrupting peaceful participation in the electoral process. He also stressed the need for the police to remain neutral, professional and committed to protecting citizens regardless of their political affiliations.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented at the conference by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, also urged the police to uphold professionalism and impartiality in handling electoral duties.
The President said every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, social status or location, should have confidence in the police and feel protected by the security institution.
Tinubu cautioned against allowing the police to be perceived as serving the interests of any political group, stressing that the Force has a national responsibility to protect citizens and uphold the constitutional order.
He said preparations for the 2027 elections must focus on professionalism, neutrality, intelligence-led operations and stronger collaboration between security and electoral agencies.
According to the President, election security should extend beyond protecting polling units and electoral materials to ensuring the safety of voters, electoral officials, political parties and candidates throughout the electoral process.
He also directed the police to improve intelligence gathering, response capabilities, community engagement, technology adoption and cooperation with other security agencies.
Tinubu noted that criminal groups were adopting more sophisticated methods, making it necessary for law enforcement agencies to continually improve their strategies and operational capabilities.
The President urged the senior officers to use the conference to develop practical measures for improving election security, strengthening operational readiness and rebuilding public confidence in the police.
He said the recommendations from the gathering should lead to concrete actions capable of protecting the democratic rights of Nigerians and ensuring a secure electoral environment.
