The Lagos State Police Command has warned that anyone involved in the destruction of political campaign posters or electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections will be arrested and prosecuted.
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 electoral violence, political thuggery, voter intimidation or any act capable of disrupting public peace before, during and after the elections.
He said the command was prepared to provide security for political campaigns, rallies, candidates, electoral officials and the movement of election materials.
According to him, the police have identified areas vulnerable to political violence and will strengthen intelligence gathering and operational strategies to prevent threats and respond to security breaches.
The commissioner urged political parties and candidates to notify the command in advance of planned rallies and campaigns to facilitate security arrangements and prevent clashes.
He specifically warned against the destruction of political campaign posters and billboards, stressing that offenders would 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 sharing 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 commissioner called on stakeholders to promptly report threats of political violence, voter intimidation and other security concerns to the police.
He urged political parties to control their supporters and called for greater cooperation among security agencies to ensure peaceful elections.
Tijani also urged the media to report responsibly and members of the public to provide credible security information to the police.
He 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 (REC) in Lagos State, Prof. Ayobami Salami, also urged political parties and other stakeholders to sustain the peaceful atmosphere in the state.
Salami said Lagos had remained largely peaceful since the commencement of the electoral cycle, expressing confidence that INEC would conduct an election that stakeholders and residents would be proud of.
He urged the public to verify information before acting on or circulating reports capable of causing 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 urged political parties and other stakeholders to verify information with relevant authorities before disseminating it.
According to him, INEC was fully prepared for the forthcoming elections and committed to conducting a peaceful, free, fair and credible electoral process that would earn the confidence of all 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.
Others in attendance included INEC officials, political party representatives, members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria and transport workers.
