2027: Tinubu warns police against partisan conduct

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has cautioned the Nigeria Police Force against engaging in partisan behavior as the country approaches the 2027 general elections. During a 2026 conference for senior police officials in Owerri, Tinubu emphasized the importance of maintaining professional and impartial conduct, ensuring the Force is perceived as a neutral institution serving the nation, rather than an instrument of any political faction.

His warning was conveyed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and later confirmed by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, in a statement released in Abuja.

Tinubu stressed that all Nigerians, irrespective of their political, ethnic, religious, social, or geographical backgrounds, must feel secure under the police's protection. He highlighted that the neutrality and professionalism of the Force are crucial for public trust and the credibility of Nigeria's democracy. The President further underscored that the 2027 elections necessitate meticulous planning, professionalism, impartiality, intelligence-driven operations, and effective coordination among security and electoral stakeholders.

Tinubu assured the police of the Federal Government's support in managing the electoral process, which extends beyond safeguarding ballot boxes and polling stations. He pointed out that the police must also protect citizens, electoral officials and materials, maintain peaceful campaigns, prevent violence and intimidation, and guarantee that Nigerians can engage in the democratic process without fear or intimidation.

Tinubu reiterated the government's dedication to police reforms, urging the Force to enhance intelligence gathering, response times, community engagement, technological adoption, and inter-agency collaboration to address evolving security threats.

Tinubu praised the efforts of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Police Management Team in reorganizing the Force to tackle growing security challenges, including kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, cultism, and other violent crimes. He acknowledged the courage and sacrifices of police officers who have fallen while protecting the nation.

However, he reminded officers of the public's ongoing expectations, urging them to uphold discipline, accountability, professionalism, and respect for citizens' rights and dignity. Tinubu tasked the senior police officers with developing a practical roadmap to bolster election security, improve operational readiness, and foster public confidence, extending their efforts beyond the 2027 elections towards building a modern, professional, technology-driven, intelligence-focused, and citizen-centric Police Force.