By Oluwakemi Kindness
President Bola Tinubu has warned the Nigeria Police Force against allowing political interests to influence its conduct ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, gave the warning at the ongoing Conference on African Security, Police and Related Security Organisations (CARSPO) 2026 in Owerri, Imo State.
The President said the Police must remain loyal to the Nigerian people and the Constitution, regardless of political affiliation.
He stressed that election security must be anchored on professionalism, impartiality and respect for the rule of law as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 polls.
The warning comes as political activities begin to intensify ahead of the elections, with security agencies expected to play a key role in protecting voters, electoral officials and sensitive election materials.
Host Governor Hope Uzodinma said public trust must remain at the centre of policing, particularly during elections.
Uzodinma urged senior police officers to uphold professionalism and impartiality, saying Nigerians should be able to exercise their civic rights without intimidation or fear.
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu said the Force would treat election security as a full-cycle responsibility, beginning with early identification of potential electoral flashpoints.
Disu said the police would also focus on protecting personnel and sensitive materials while ensuring rapid response to emerging security threats.
Meanwhile, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Mohammed Sheidu, announced plans for greater support to the Police through training, equipment and mobility interventions.
Sheidu said the interventions were aimed at strengthening the operational effectiveness of officers ahead of the elections.
Other participants, including Assistant Inspectors-General of Police Ifeanyi Uche and Jimoh Moshood, as well as Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle, described the conference theme as timely, given the security challenges associated with elections.
Representing Lenders Consult International Limited, Nelson Olafisoye also commended Governor Uzodinma for what he described as the state’s continued prioritization of security and its hosting of the conference.
The discussions at the ongoing conference is centred on the need for early preparation, professional policing and cooperation among security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure peaceful and credible elections in 2027.
