Tunji Disu, the inspector-general of police (IGP), says the police will not condone politicians who hire thugs or engage in vote-buying during the 2027 elections.
Speaking at the sixth conference and retreat for senior
police officers held in Owerri, the Imo state capital, on Monday, Disu said
“impunity is the greatest encouragement of electoral crimes”.
The opening ceremony of the conference was attended by Hope
Uzodimma, governor of Imo; George Akume, secretary to the government of the
federation (SGF); representatives from other security agencies; and other
government officials.
The IGP urged politicians and their supporters to compete
with ideas, not thugs.
He said the police would collaborate with the Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
(EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission
(ICPC) to investigate vote-buying and inducement during the forthcoming general
election.
Disu said anyone arrested over electoral crimes would be
prosecuted irrespective of their status.
“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.”
The IGP also unveiled a six-pillar framework that would
guide police activities during the election.
The framework includes strengthened intelligence and
early-warning systems; intensive training and preparedness; joint command and
inter-agency coordination; effective communication and deployment of
technology; sustained community partnership; and absolute neutrality.
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