The Kano State Police Command has cautioned political parties and candidates participating in the 2027 elections against conduct capable of disrupting peace and security in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, issued the warning on Thursday while meeting with political party leaders and candidates at the command’s headquarters in Bompai, Kano.
According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the police boss said political activities must not be allowed to degenerate into violence, intimidation or destruction of property.
“Political leaders and contestants must understand that the security of Kano is a collective responsibility. We will not allow political activities to become a platform for violence, intimidation or destruction of property,” Bakori said.
He appealed to political actors to conduct their campaigns responsibly and stay away from hate speech, false information, incitement, thuggery and the misuse of social media to cause tension.
“Shun hate speech, fake news and incitement, whether online or offline. Reject violence and thuggery in all forms, because no political ambition is worth the destruction of lives and property,” he said.
Bakori also reminded parties and candidates of the need to comply with the Electoral Act 2022 and guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission. He particularly stressed the importance of securing the appropriate approval before organising political rallies.
He further called on party leaders to ensure their supporters obey the law and do not engage in activities capable of threatening public order.
“You must call your supporters to order and take responsibility for their conduct. Nobody should hide behind supporters to breach public peace or commit electoral offences,” the commissioner warned.
An INEC representative at the meeting provided political actors with information on electoral rules, while representatives of 13 political parties pledged to cooperate with the police in promoting peaceful elections.
The commissioner assured candidates that the command would remain impartial and work with other security agencies to protect candidates, campaign locations and INEC facilities during the election period.
He said the command would also strengthen its intelligence operations and establish an Election Security Situation Room as well as a Complaint Response Desk to deal with security concerns and electoral complaints.
Bakori warned that political status would not protect anyone who violates the law or threatens public peace from arrest and prosecution.
“Anyone, regardless of status, found breaching public peace or committing electoral offences will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” Bakori said.
He encouraged political actors to make peaceful engagement a major part of their campaigns and urged them to uphold the message, “Peace First. Kano First. Nigeria First,” ahead of the 2027 elections.