Sokoto CP Meets Parties Stakeholders, Declares Zero Tolerance For Electoral Violence

The commissioner of police, Sokoto State Command, Hayatu Shafa, has warned political party leaders that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) will hold them accountable for any breach of peace by their supporters during the forthcoming elections.

The commissioner gave the warning yesterday in Sokoto during a strategic engagement with chairmen of political parties and members of the press.

He the meeting was convened to formalise a “binding framework for peaceful campaigns” in line with the directive of the inspector-general of police (IGP) Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

“We are gathered here not as rivals, but as custodians of Sokoto State’s future,” the CP told the gathering.

“The elections ahead are not a war to be won by force; they are a contest of ideas to be won by the will of the people,” he said.

He listed five pillars that must guide political activities in the state. First, he called for a “commitment to peaceful conduct,” urging parties to move “from the politics of insults to the politics of issues.”

He asked party leaders to recommit to the National Peace Accord and to reject hate speech, fake news, and character assassination.

Secondly, the CP said party chairmen are “the anchors of your parties” and will be held responsible if youth wings or social media influencers under their platform disturb the peace. “The days of looking the other way are over. Your control over your followers is the first line of defence against chaos,” he stated.

Third, the Police declared “Zero Tolerance for Violence and Illegal Conduct.” The CP said thuggery, destruction of campaign materials, brandishing of weapons, and deployment of private security outfits at rallies will not be tolerated. “The Nigeria Police Force will enforce the Electoral Act 2022 without fear or favour. If you break the law, you will face the consequences,” he warned.

Fourth is “Cooperation with Security Agencies” through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCES. He urged party leaders to share intelligence and report flashpoints. “Security is a partnership, not a spectator sport,” he said.

Fifth, the CP asked parties to acknowledge “Local Realities,” especially in areas already battling insecurity. “In areas like Sabon Birni, Rabah, Kebbe, Tureta and the Isa axis among others, the shadow of banditry already threatens the lives of our people. Do not use these areas as battlefields for political scores. Protect the voters, do not endanger them,” he said.

In his concluding remarks, the CP said the Police were not begging for peace but stating the position of the law.

“I am not here to plead. I am here to state the facts. The law is clear, and our resolve is firm. But we cannot succeed alone. We need you to leave this hall and become ambassadors of peace within your parties,” he said.

He charged party leaders to tell their supporters that “Sokoto is bigger than any candidate” and that the state must emerge from the elections with its unity intact.

“We must work together to ensure that Sokoto’s elections are a model of civility for the entire nation,” the CP added.

The engagement was attended by chairmen of 19 registered political parties in the state, security agency heads, and other stakeholders.