The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has warned politicians and their supporters against hiring thugs, buying votes, moving arms or threatening voters and electoral officials ahead of the 2027 general elections, Peak Newspaper reports.
Disu issued the warning on Monday, September 21, 2026, during the sixth Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers, CARSPO 2026, held in Owerri, Imo State. The three-day conference, which runs from September 21 to 23, is focused on developing a strategic roadmap for election security ahead of the 2027 polls.
The police chief said political actors should focus on presenting ideas and policies to voters rather than relying on violence and intimidation.
“To politicians and their supporters, my message is simple. Compete with ideas, not with thugs,” Disu said.
He warned against the recruitment of mobs, vote buying, movement of arms and threats against voters or electoral officials, stressing that the police would take action against anyone involved, regardless of political position or status.
According to him, arresting electoral offenders would not be the end of the process, as the police would work with relevant agencies to ensure that cases are properly investigated and prosecuted.
“Arrest is not enough; we will work with INEC, EFCC, and ICPC to investigate vote buying and inducement. We will also work with prosecutors so that those arrested will face trial, not just headlines,” he said.
Disu further warned that anyone arrested for electoral offences would face prosecution irrespective of their political influence or position.
He also urged Nigerians to participate peacefully in the elections and report cases of electoral wrongdoing to the appropriate authorities.
“Impunity is the greatest encouragement of electoral crimes. To the people of Nigeria, go out, vote peacefully and report wrongdoing,” the IGP said.
The conference brought together senior police officers and government officials, with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, among those who attended the opening session. Representatives of other security agencies were also present.
As part of preparations for the 2027 elections, Disu also unveiled a six-point framework to guide police operations before, during and after the polls.
The framework includes stronger intelligence gathering and early-warning systems to identify potential electoral flashpoints, improved training and operational preparedness for police personnel, as well as stronger cooperation and joint command among security agencies.
Other areas covered by the framework are improved communication and greater use of technology, stronger engagement with communities and other stakeholders, and strict political neutrality by police officers.
The Nigeria Police Force has said the broader objective of the CARSPO 2026 retreat is to strengthen its ability to protect voters, electoral officials, candidates, election materials and the wider public during the 2027 general elections.
Disu has also warned police personnel themselves against taking sides in the elections, saying officers who collude with political actors, harass voters or abuse their powers would be investigated and punished.
The IGP’s latest warning comes as political activities continue to build ahead of the 2027 general elections, with security agencies under pressure to prevent violence, vote buying, intimidation and other forms of electoral malpractice.
