IGP Disu, INEC Chairman meet on election security ahead of 2027 polls

Crime Diary

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has pledged robust collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure peaceful and credible elections across the country.

Disu gave the assurance on Wednesday while receiving INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, and his delegation at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

The meeting, attended by members of the Force Management Team and INEC national commissioners, focused on strengthening the security architecture for upcoming elections, including the Ekiti and Osun off-cycle governorship polls, bye-elections, and the 2027 general elections.

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According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, discussions centred on addressing prevailing security challenges and ensuring adequate protection for electoral processes nationwide.

In his remarks, Amupitan emphasised the need for proactive security strategies and specialised training for personnel, stressing the importance of guaranteeing a safe voting environment for all citizens, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs).

Responding, Disu described the visit as timely and critical to sustaining democratic stability, noting that the Nigeria Police Force has activated strategic measures to safeguard the electoral process.

He said these measures include intelligence-driven operations to curb political violence, cult-related activities, and voter intimidation, as well as coordinated plans for the secure movement of electoral materials and personnel.

The IGP added that the Force is strengthening collaboration with other security agencies and deploying strategies to counter misinformation during the electoral cycle.

He assured that officers deployed for election duties would strictly adhere to the Constitution and the Electoral Act, noting that personnel are undergoing training on rules of engagement and human rights protection.

Disu reiterated that the Police, as the lead agency in election security management, would enforce a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct, warning that any officer found compromising the integrity of the process would face disciplinary action.

He further pledged the Force’s commitment to providing a secure environment for all voters, with particular attention to vulnerable groups, while calling for enhanced cooperation among stakeholders to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process.