Sokoto CP Warns Politicians, Supporters Against Violence Ahead Of 2027 Elections

The Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Shaffa, has warned political parties and their supporters against violence, hate speech, fake news and other acts capable of undermining the 2027 general elections.

Shaffa issued the warning on Wednesday during a meeting with chairmen and representatives of political parties in the state.

He urged political actors to embrace peaceful campaigns and cooperate with security agencies to ensure credible and violence-free elections.

The commissioner said the 2027 elections should not be treated as a battle but as a contest of ideas to be decided by the electorate.

He said, “We are gathered here today not as rivals but as custodians of Sokoto State’s future. 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.”

Shaffa identified peaceful conduct, accountability, zero tolerance for violence and illegal activities, cooperation with security agencies, and recognition of the state’s security challenges as key areas requiring the attention of political parties.

He also urged political leaders to discourage abusive campaigns, character assassination and the spread of misinformation, advising them to allow their manifestos and policies to speak for them.

“We must move from the politics of insult to politics of issues. There is no room for hate speech, fake news or character assassination,” he said.

The CP further warned that political leaders would be held accountable for the conduct of their supporters, including youth groups and social media influencers.

He also cautioned against the destruction of campaign posters and banners, display of weapons and the use of private security outfits during political rallies, stressing that the police would enforce the Electoral Act 2022 without fear or favour.

Shaffa called on political parties to share information about emerging threats and potential flashpoints with security agencies, describing election security as a collective responsibility.

He particularly warned politicians against exposing voters to danger in areas affected by banditry, including Sabon Birni, Rabah, Kebbe, Tureta and Isa.

“Protect the voters, do not endanger them,” the commissioner said.

Responding, the Sokoto State APC Chairman, Haruna Adiya, pledged the party’s commitment to complying with electoral laws and sensitising its supporters on peaceful conduct.

He also said the party was ready to support the police command and sign the proposed peace accord when presented.

The ADC State Vice Chairman, Isiaka Keegan, commended the police for organising the meeting and urged political leaders and security agencies to act fairly.

Keegan alleged that some politicians sponsor youths to disrupt the activities of their opponents, calling for equal treatment of all political parties.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party chairman, Abubakar Yawale, blamed politicians for the persistence of electoral violence, alleging that some parties harbour political thugs and lobby for the release of suspected political offenders arrested by security agencies.

Yawale urged political leaders to preach peace to their candidates and supporters and allow voters to freely choose their preferred candidates.

Also speaking, the NDC Secretary, Bello Labaran, who represented the party chairman, called for the involvement of other security agencies, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service and Department of State Services, in election security planning.

Labaran also alleged selective enforcement of environmental regulations governing the display of campaign posters and banners in Sokoto metropolis.

He called for a level playing field for all political parties, saying the NDC would pursue its political ambitions within the confines of the law.