The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Wednesday, May 6, met with the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, SAN, and other senior officials of the commission at the Force Headquarters in Abuja over security arrangements for upcoming elections.
The meeting was aimed at discussing plans to ensure peaceful, credible and secure elections, particularly in the lead up to the Ekiti and Osun off-cycle governorship elections, upcoming bye-elections and the 2027 General Elections.
Also present were members of the Force Management Team and senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
The INEC delegation was made up of the National Commissioner, North-Central Region, Professor Sanni Muhammed; National Commissioners, North-East Region, Mrs Jamila Abubakar Malafa and Dr Baba Bila; National Commissioner, South-South Region, Rear Admiral Rhoda Gumus; and National Commissioner, South-West Region, Professor Kunle Ajayi.
During the visit, Amupitan stressed the need for proactive security planning ahead of the electoral cycle.
He said the current security challenges in parts of the country called for early preparation, specialised training for security personnel and closer collaboration between INEC and the police.
The INEC chairman also urged special attention to vulnerable voters especially the Internally Displaced Persons and Persons with Disabilities.
He said IDPs and PWDs should be allowed to exercise their constitutional rights without fear, intimidation or obstruction.
He called on the police to assist in creating a secure environment that would assure all eligible voters that they could safely take part in the elections.
Police Start Intelligence Mapping
Disu said the visit was timely and important to Nigeria’s democratic stability.
He said the Nigeria Police Force had already commenced strategic preparations for the forthcoming elections, including intelligence mapping to identify and prevent possible threats.
The IGP said the measures are aimed at tackling political violence, cult-related activities, voter intimidation and other actions capable of disrupting the electoral process.
He also revealed that the Force was working on plans for the safe movement of electoral materials and personnel before, during and after elections.
Disu said the police would continue to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure a united operational approach across the country.
He said the Force would also step up efforts to counter misinformation, which he said could heighten tension and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
The IGP assured the delegation of INEC that police officers deployed for election duty would be guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act.
He said personnel were already being trained on the rules of engagement, human rights protection and professional conduct during elections.
Disu said the police would do their job in a manner that safeguards voters, election officials, observers and other stakeholders.
He said the Force would not condone any misconduct by any officer attached for election duties.
He said any police officer found wanting or involved in any act that could compromise the integrity of the elections would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Disu reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to provide a safe and secure environment for all citizens throughout the electoral process.
He said IDPs, PWDs and other vulnerable groups would be given special consideration to ensure that they are not left out of the exercise.
The IGP also called for cooperation between the commission and other stakeholders in elections, while pledging the full support of the Force to INEC.
“Effective collaboration among institutions would be critical to ensuring peaceful elections and a smooth democratic process for the country, he said.
