2027: Police Warn Against Destruction Of Campaign Posters

The Nigeria Police Force has warned political thugs and supporters of political parties against destroying campaign posters, banners and billboards belonging to rival candidates, vowing to arrest and prosecute anyone found culpable.

The police said commissioners of police across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had been directed to take proactive measures to prevent the destruction of campaign materials and investigate reported cases.

The Force said the directive was part of efforts to promote political tolerance, protect the rights of candidates and ensure a peaceful atmosphere ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

The inspector-general of police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, gave the directive amid growing incidents of deliberate tearing, defacement and destruction of campaign materials belonging to political parties and candidates across the country.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, described the acts as political intolerance and warned those involved to desist.

According to the police, the destruction or unlawful removal of another candidate’s campaign materials may amount to malicious damage, a criminal offence punishable under applicable criminal laws.

The Force specifically cited Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 326 of the Penal Code Law, which provides for the offence of mischief.

It stressed that political differences or allegiance to a particular party did not confer on anyone the right to destroy another candidate’s property or prevent them from exercising their right to campaign.

The police further warned that political sponsors and individuals who recruit, encourage or facilitate the destruction of campaign materials would also be held accountable if investigations establish their involvement.

Reaffirming its commitment to political neutrality, the Force said all political parties and candidates, irrespective of their affiliations or status, were entitled to equal protection under the law.

It urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to embrace peaceful campaigns and respect the rights of others, warning that political intolerance, intimidation and criminal conduct could undermine the democratic process.

“The Nigeria Police Force will not allow political thugs and troublemakers to turn the nation’s political environment into a theatre of lawlessness,” the statement said.

The Force warned that anyone who violates the law would face the full consequences of their actions.