2027: Police pledge to protect lives, ensure secure environment for voters

The Nigeria Police Force has assured Nigerians that they will safeguard lives and property, and ensure a secure environment for citizens to exercise their democratic rights during the 2027 general elections. Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu emphasized this commitment at a workshop organized by the FCT Nigerian Union of Journalists.

Disu highlighted the police's responsibility to maintain law and order, protect lives and property, and create a secure setting for Nigerians to participate in the election process. He also emphasized the crucial role of the media as a vital partner in election security, noting the significant impact journalists can have in shaping public understanding of electoral developments.

Disu urged journalists to verify information before publication, particularly sensitive security reports that could either cause panic or provoke conflict. He cautioned against the rapid spread of false information through social media platforms such as videos, fabricated statements, and AI-generated audio, photographs, and videos.

Disu called for enhanced communication between security agencies and journalists ahead of the elections, stressing the importance of journalists obtaining authoritative information, verifying security alerts, and knowing whom to contact when faced with conflicting reports. The police assured journalists that they would remain accessible, transparent, and responsive to legitimate media inquiries.

Disu urged journalists to report responsibly before, during, and after the elections, emphasizing that the period post-election may be as crucial as Election Day itself. The Nigerian Union of Journalists' chairperson, Grace Ike, urged journalists to protect confidential sources, avoid publishing sensitive details that could endanger lives, and strengthen fact-checking systems while maintaining a balance between the public's right to know and the responsibility to avoid harm.