The Sokoto State Police Command has warned political parties and their supporters against violence, hate speech, misinformation and other actions that could threaten the peaceful conduct of the 2027 general elections.
The State Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Hassan Shafa, issued the warning on Wednesday at a meeting with chairmen and representatives of political parties in the state.
Shafa urged political actors to approach the forthcoming elections as a contest of ideas rather than a confrontation, stressing the need for cooperation between political parties and security agencies.
“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,” he said.
The commissioner identified peaceful conduct, accountability, zero tolerance for violence and unlawful acts, collaboration with security agencies, and awareness of the state’s security challenges as key areas requiring the attention of political parties.
He cautioned party leaders against inflammatory campaigns, character assassination and the spread of false information, urging candidates to focus on their policies and manifestos.
“We must move from the politics of insult to politics of issues. There is no room for hate speech, fake news or character assassination,” Shafa said.
He further warned that political parties would be held accountable for the actions of their supporters, including youth groups and social media influencers.
“If your supporters, be they youth wings or social media influencers, disturb the peace, we will hold you personally accountable. The days of looking the other way are over,” he stated.
The police commissioner also warned against the destruction of campaign materials, the display of weapons at political gatherings and the deployment of private security groups during rallies.
He said the police would enforce the Electoral Act 2022 against anyone found violating electoral laws.
“The Nigerian Police Force will enforce the Electoral Act 2022 without fear or favour. If you break the law, you will face the consequences,” Shafa warned.
He appealed to political parties to share information about potential threats and flashpoints with security agencies, noting that election security required the cooperation of all stakeholders.
Shafa particularly urged politicians to exercise caution when campaigning in areas affected by banditry, including Sabon Birni, Rabah, Kebbe, Tureta and Isa.
“Protect the voters, do not endanger them,” he told the political parties.
Responding, the state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Haruna Adiya, said the party would comply with electoral laws and educate its supporters on peaceful conduct.
Adiya also pledged the party’s cooperation with the police and expressed readiness to sign a proposed peace accord when presented.
The state Vice Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Isiaka Keegan, commended the police for convening the meeting and called on political actors and security agencies to conduct themselves fairly.
Keegan alleged that some politicians recruit youths to disrupt the activities of rival parties, stressing that the state belonged to all residents regardless of political affiliation.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party Chairman, Abubakar Yawale, blamed political actors for the persistence of electoral violence.
Yawale alleged that some politicians sponsor thugs and subsequently intervene when those suspected of electoral offences are arrested by security agencies.
He said, “Political area boys do not, in most cases, vote during elections, but they are used to snatch ballot boxes and commit other atrocities.”
He urged political leaders to promote peaceful participation and allow voters to freely choose their preferred candidates.
Also, the Secretary of the New Nigeria Congress, Bello Labaran, who represented the party chairman, called for broader participation of security agencies in election preparations.
Labaran said the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service and Department of State Services should be incorporated into election security planning.
He also alleged selective enforcement of environmental regulations governing campaign posters and banners in Sokoto metropolis, claiming that opposition parties were being restricted while materials belonging to the ruling APC were allegedly left untouched.
“We want a situation where there is a free and fair place for every political party to play its role,” Labaran said.
He maintained that the party would pursue its political objectives peacefully and within the provisions of the law.
