Bauchi police warn political parties against violence ahead of 2027 elections

Bauchi police warn political parties against violence ahead of 2027 elections

The Bauchi State Police Command has urged political parties to conduct peaceful campaigns and comply with electoral laws ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, gave the warning during a meeting with political party leaders at the Police Headquarters in Bauchi.

Represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Abdulmajid Isah, Aliyu assured political parties of adequate and impartial security throughout the electioneering period.

He urged parties to focus on promoting their policies and manifestos rather than attacking opponents or engaging in personal insults.

The commissioner cautioned against abusive language targeting political opponents, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, traditional institutions and security agencies.

He also warned against road blockades, disruption of rival parties’ rallies, violations of approved campaign venues and time limits, and breaches of sound restrictions.

Aliyu further cautioned political parties against bringing firearms, dangerous weapons or illicit drugs to political gatherings, as well as recruiting thugs, members of the Sara-Suka group or vigilante groups to cause unrest.

He disclosed that the command’s Cybercrime Unit would monitor online political activities, warning that parties would be held responsible for the conduct of their agents, supporters and media handlers.

The commissioner highlighted provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the Cybercrimes Act, which prescribe penalties for offences including political violence, thuggery, hate speech, incitement, cyberbullying and the deliberate spread of false information.

The meeting was attended by 12 representatives from 10 registered political parties in the state.

In their responses, the party leaders commended the police for the engagement and called for fair and equal treatment of all political parties during the campaign period.

They also urged the command to address the indiscriminate placement of posters, banners and billboards, particularly around roundabouts and road junctions where campaign materials could obstruct traffic and cause accidents.

Aliyu reaffirmed the command’s commitment to providing a level playing field for all parties and urged each to appoint a Peace and Compliance Officer to liaise with Divisional Police Officers and Area Commanders.

He also encouraged the parties to sign the Bauchi State Peace Accord before the commencement of full campaigns.

The commissioner called on political leaders to caution their supporters and promote peace, tolerance and unity throughout the 2027 electioneering period.