By Our Reporter
IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, Inspector-General of Police, has warned politicians, political thugs and their supporters against the destruction, defacement or unlawful removal of campaign posters, banners and billboards ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Disu said such acts of political intolerance constituted criminal offences and would attract arrest and prosecution in accordance with the law.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the Nigeria Police Force had observed growing incidents of deliberate destruction of campaign materials belonging to candidates and political parties across the country.
The Force condemned the development, warning political thugs, hoodlums and other individuals involved to desist immediately.
It explained that the destruction, defacement or unlawful removal of another candidate’s campaign materials could constitute malicious damage under applicable criminal laws, including Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 326 of the Penal Code Law, which provides for the offence of mischief.
The Police stressed that political differences or allegiance to a particular party did not give anyone the right to destroy another candidate’s property or prevent them from exercising their right to campaign freely.
It also reiterated that all political parties and candidates, irrespective of their affiliations or status, were entitled to equal protection under the law.
The IGP has consequently directed Commissioners of Police across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to take proactive measures to prevent such incidents, investigate reported cases and ensure the arrest and prosecution of those found culpable.
The Force added that political sponsors and individuals who recruit, encourage or facilitate the destruction of campaign materials would also be held accountable where evidence establishes their involvement.
It called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and respect the rights of others, warning that political intolerance, intimidation and criminal conduct must not undermine the democratic process.
The Police further warned that it would not allow political thugs and troublemakers to turn the country’s political environment into a theatre of lawlessness.
It urged all political actors and their supporters to respect the law, stressing that anyone found violating it would face the full consequences of their actions.
