By Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, CP Ayodeji Faniyan, has warned political parties against campaigns involving incitement, intimidation and interparty conflicts capable of triggering disharmony before, during or after the 2027 general elections.
He said efforts would be made to mop up small arms and light weapons across the state to remove them from circulation, while security agencies would monitor individuals and groups involved in violence and those who profit from criminal activities.
The Commissioner of Police gave the warning on Thursday during a stakeholders’ meeting with political parties and their aspirants on election security ahead of the 2027 general elections. The meeting was held at the Police Officers’ Mess in Jos.
Faniyan pledged that the police would maintain strict neutrality throughout the electoral process in collaboration with other security agencies.
He emphasised that neutrality was essential to building public trust, adding that the primary objective of the security agencies was to ensure that no lives were lost, no property was destroyed and no credibility was undermined during the electoral period.
He explained that the meeting was organised to seek the cooperation of political parties and their aspirants in complying with electoral laws and to dispel rumours of insecurity that could discourage citizens from exercising their voting rights.
The police commissioner also noted that while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had the exclusive responsibility for declaring election results, security agencies would work alongside the commission to provide a peaceful and stable environment for the democratic process.
He assured stakeholders that security agencies were implementing proactive measures, both kinetic and non-kinetic, to prevent election-related crimes and maintain a peaceful, transparent and secure electoral environment.
According to him, the Inspector-General of Police had authorised the deployment of additional personnel and security logistics to address emerging challenges.
He added that security agencies were paying particular attention to areas with a history of tension to ensure adequate personnel deployment and effective intelligence gathering.
Faniyan identified violent campaign messages, interparty conflicts and vote-buying as major threats to peaceful elections.
He also expressed concern over the potential impact of fake news, hate speech and the misuse of artificial intelligence in spreading disinformation on social media.
He urged political parties to conduct their campaigns within the boundaries of the law and avoid statements or actions capable of inciting violence or creating hostility among their supporters.
“Security agencies aim to prevent elections from becoming sources of enmity or communal disharmony. The police and other security agencies have pledged absolute neutrality throughout the electoral process,” he said.
The commissioner further stressed that security personnel would operate in accordance with the law and ensure that voters could exercise their democratic rights without intimidation or threats.
He cited previous security management experiences as evidence of the importance of maintaining professional standards and urged all stakeholders to cooperate with security agencies.
“All stakeholders are encouraged to play by the rules so that election results reflect the voluntary choices of the people,” he said.
Faniyan also called on political leaders to reassure their supporters and discourage the spread of rumours about insecurity that could prevent eligible voters from participating in the elections.
He reiterated that security agencies would adopt a zero-tolerance approach to the loss of lives and destruction of property during the electoral period.
INEC Assures Parties of Preparedness, Plans Voting for IDPs
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Plateau State has assured political parties of its preparedness for the 2027 general elections, including the presidential election reportedly scheduled for January 16, 2027.
The Head of Electoral Operations and Logistics at INEC in Plateau State, Mr Isah Idakwo, who represented the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Sam Egwu, said the commission was committed to ensuring credible, free and transparent elections.
Idakwo stated that INEC was making preparations to ensure that the electoral process was inclusive, particularly by providing opportunities for internally displaced persons (IDPs) to exercise their voting rights.
According to him, between seven and nine local government areas have been identified as having significant populations of internally displaced persons.
He mentioned Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Wase and Mangu among the affected areas.
He explained that the commission’s national leadership had established structures to facilitate voting for eligible displaced persons.
He therefore urged political parties and other stakeholders to provide feedback and report any additional information about IDPs residing outside the local government areas already identified by the commission.
Idakwo described the stakeholders’ meeting as an important feedback mechanism through which INEC could obtain information and recommendations from political parties and security agencies for further action by the Resident Electoral Commissioner.
He acknowledged the participation of representatives of various security agencies, including the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), representatives of the General Officer Commanding (GOC), other security officials, political party leaders and their candidates.
Also in attendance was Aminu Hadi, Secretary of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Plateau State.
