The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Wednesday, May 6, met with the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, SAN, and other senior officials of the commission at the Force Headquarters in Abuja over security arrangements for upcoming elections.
The meeting was to discuss plans on how to ensure peaceful, credible and secure elections, particularly as the Ekiti and Osun off-cycle governorship elections, upcoming bye-elections and 2027 General Elections approach.
Also present were members of the Force Management Team and senior Officers of Nigeria Police Force.
The delegation from INEC was led by National Commissioner, North-Central Region, Professor Sanni Muhammed, and included National Commissioners, North-East Region, Mrs Jamila Abubakar Malafa and Dr Baba Bila; National Commissioner, South-South Region, Rear Admiral Rhoda Gumus; and National Commissioner, South-West Region, Professor Kunle Ajayi.
Amupitan, in the course of the visit, advocated for proactive security planning in the lead-up to the electoral cycle.
He said that the current security challenges in some parts of the country required early preparation, special training for security personnel and closer collaboration between INEC and the police.
The INEC chairman also called for special attention on vulnerable voters especially the Internally Displaced Persons and Persons with Disabilities.
He said IDPs and PWDs should be allowed to exercise their constitutional rights without fear, intimidation or obstruction.
He urged the police to help create a safe environment that would assure all eligible voters that they could vote at the elections without fear.
Police Start Intelligence Mapping
Disu said the visit was timely and important to Nigeria’s democratic stability.
He said the Nigeria Police Force had started strategic preparations for the forthcoming elections, including intelligence mapping to identify and prevent possible threats.
The measures are targeted at addressing political violence, cult-related activities, voter intimidation and other actions that could disrupt the electoral process, the IGP said.
He also said that the Force was working on plans for the safe movement of electoral materials and personnel before, during and after elections.
Disu said the police would continue to work with other security agencies to ensure a united operational approach across the country.
He said the Force would also increase efforts to counter misinformation, which he said can raise tension and erode public confidence in the electoral process.
The IGP assured the INEC delegation that the police officers deployed for election duties would be guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act.
He said that personnel were already being trained on rules of engagement, protection of human rights and professional conducts during elections.
In a way that protects voters, election officials, observers and other stakeholders, the police would do their job, Disu said.
“The Force will not tolerate any misconduct on the part of any officer attached for election duties,” he said.
Any police officer found wanting or involved in any act that could compromise the integrity of the elections would be dealt with according to the law, he said.
Disu reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s resolve to provide a safe and secure environment for all citizens at all times before, during and after the electoral process.
He said special consideration would be given to IDPs, PWDs and other vulnerable groups to ensure that they are not left behind in the exercise.
The IGP also called for cooperation between the commission and other stakeholders in elections, while pledging the full support of the Force to INEC.
He said that effective collaboration among institutions would be critical to ensure peaceful elections and a smooth democratic process for the country.
Hon. Dr. Philip “Okanga” Agbese, a transformative leader in Enone. Discover his achievements, community projects, and vision for 2027
