The Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Hassan Shafa, has warned political parties and their supporters against violence, hate speech, fake news and other activities capable of undermining the credibility of the 2027 General Elections.
Shafa issued the warning during a stakeholder meeting with chairmen and representatives of political parties in Sokoto, where he urged political actors to approach the elections as a democratic contest rather than a battle to be won through force or intimidation.
The Commissioner called on political parties to embrace issue-based campaigns and cooperate fully with security agencies to ensure peaceful and credible elections.
“We are gathered here today not as rivals but as custodians of Sokoto State’s future. The elections ahead are not a war to be won by force. They are a contest of ideas to be won by the will of the people,” Shafa said.
He outlined five key areas for engagement with political parties ahead of the polls, including peaceful conduct, accountability, zero tolerance for violence and illegal activities, cooperation with security agencies, and recognition of the peculiar security challenges confronting the state.
Shafa also cautioned political leaders against abusive campaigns, fake news and character assassination, urging candidates and their supporters to focus on manifestos, policies and issues that directly affect the electorate.
“We must move from the politics of insult to the politics of issues. There is no room for hate speech, fake news, or character assassination,” he said.
The police commissioner further warned that political party leaders would be held personally responsible for the conduct of their supporters, including youth wings and social media influencers.
“If your supporters, be they youth wings or social media influencers, disturb the peace, we will hold you personally accountable. The days of looking the other way are over,” he declared.
He also prohibited the destruction of campaign posters and banners, the display of weapons and the use of private security outfits during political rallies.
Shafa assured stakeholders that the Nigeria Police Force would enforce the Electoral Act 2022 without bias, warning political actors against violating electoral laws.
“If you break the law, you will face the consequences,” he warned.
The Commissioner urged political parties to share intelligence with security agencies on emerging threats and potential flashpoints, stressing that maintaining peace and security during the electoral process was a collective responsibility.
