The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has issued a stern warning against electoral violence, ballot-box snatching, political thuggery and vote-buying ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The police chief delivered the warning during the flag-off of the Election Security Training for the 2027 General Elections, declaring that the Nigeria Police Force would not tolerate any attempt to undermine the electoral process.
Disu warned individuals and political actors contemplating violence or activities capable of disrupting elections to desist, stressing that the police were better prepared, coordinated and determined to maintain law and order.
He said anyone caught engaging in electoral violence, ballot-box snatching or inciting hatred would be arrested and prosecuted without fear or favour.
The IGP also emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between the police and the justice sector to ensure that electoral offences do not end with arrests but result in successful prosecutions.
On vote-buying and vote-selling, Disu described both practices as criminal offences rather than harmless political traditions.
His warning comes as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, placing renewed attention on the responsibility of security agencies to protect voters, electoral officials and election materials.
The Election Security Training is expected to strengthen the capacity of security personnel to identify threats, manage electoral violence and provide a secure environment for credible elections.
As Nigeria prepares for another electoral cycle, the message from the police leadership is clear: electoral violence, intimidation and vote trading will attract legal consequences.
Ultimately, protecting the integrity of the ballot requires cooperation among security agencies, political parties, electoral institutions and citizens.
Every vote must count, and every voter must be free to make a choice without intimidation.
