The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has directed Commissioners of Police across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory to arrest and prosecute individuals involved in the destruction of political campaign posters, banners and billboards ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The directive follows growing reports of deliberate tearing, defacement and destruction of campaign materials belonging to political parties and candidates across the country.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, condemning the incidents as acts of political intolerance.
The police warned political thugs, hoodlums and other individuals involved in the destruction of campaign materials to desist immediately or face the consequences of their actions.
According to the statement, destroying, defacing or unlawfully removing another candidate’s campaign posters and billboards could constitute malicious damage, a criminal offence under Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 326 of the Penal Code Law, which addresses the offence of mischief.
“Political differences or loyalty to a particular party do not give anyone the right to destroy another candidate’s property or infringe on their right to campaign freely,” the statement read.
The Force stressed that all political parties and candidates, irrespective of their affiliations or political status, were entitled to equal protection under the law.
It added that no individual or group had the authority to determine whose campaign materials should be displayed or destroyed.
Disu consequently directed commissioners of police to take proactive measures to prevent further incidents, investigate reported cases and ensure that anyone found culpable was arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The police chief also warned that political sponsors and individuals who recruit, encourage or facilitate the destruction of campaign materials would equally be held accountable where evidence established their involvement.
The Force urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to embrace peaceful campaigns and respect the rights of other political actors, warning that intimidation and criminal activities could undermine the country’s democratic process.
“The Nigeria Police Force will not allow political thugs and troublemakers to turn the nation’s political environment into a theatre of lawlessness. Those who choose to break the law will face the full consequences of their actions,” the statement added.
The police reiterated their commitment to protecting the rights of all political parties and ensuring a peaceful political environment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
