2027: Bauchi Police To Monitor Online Campaigns, Warn Parties Against Hate Speech

The Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has charged political parties in the state to conduct their campaigns peacefully and in accordance with the law ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The commissioner gave the charge during a meeting with leaders of political parties at the Police Headquarters in Bauchi yesterday. The meeting was attended by 12 representatives from 10 registered political parties in the state.

Represented by the deputy commissioner of Police in charge of operations, DCP Abdulmajid Isah, the commissioner assured political parties of adequate and impartial security throughout the electioneering period.

“Politics is a contest of ideas. Bauchi State is bigger than any election, and we must all work to keep the peace,” he said.

Aliyu urged political parties to focus on promoting their policies and manifestos rather than attacking opponents or engaging in personal insults.

He cautioned them against using abusive language against political opponents, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), traditional institutions and security agencies.

The commissioner also warned against blocking roads, disrupting the rallies of other political parties and violating approved campaign venues, time limits and sound restrictions.

He further advised political parties to desist from carrying firearms, dangerous weapons or illicit drugs to political gatherings and warned against mobilising thugs, members of the Sara-Suka group or vigilante groups to cause trouble.

The Police commissioner also disclosed that the Command would monitor online political activities through its Cybercrime Unit, warning that political parties would be held responsible for the actions of their agents, supporters and media handlers.

He highlighted relevant provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the Cybercrimes Act, which prescribe sanctions for offences including thuggery, political violence, destruction of campaign materials, hate speech, incitement, cyberbullying, stalking and the deliberate spread of false information.

In their responses, the political party leaders commended the police for engaging them and called for equal and fair treatment of all parties throughout the campaign period.

They also urged the police to caution political parties whose posters, banners and billboards dominate public spaces, particularly where campaign materials obstruct traffic at roundabouts and road junctions, potentially causing accidents.

The commissioner assured the party leaders of the Command’s commitment to providing a level playing field for all political parties.

He urged each party to appoint a Peace and Compliance Officer to liaise with Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Area Commanders on matters relating to peaceful campaigns and compliance with electoral laws.

The parties were also encouraged to prepare to sign the Bauchi State Peace Accord before the commencement of full campaigns.

Aliyu further called on political party leaders to caution their supporters and use their platforms to promote peace, tolerance and unity throughout the electioneering period.