Police chief warns politicians that anyone buying votes, hiring thugs, or using weapons in 2027 will be arrested and jailed.
The head of the Nigeria Police Force has declared that no politician will be allowed to use bad behavior to win elections anymore.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, gave this strong warning during a big gathering of top police commanders held in Owerri, the capital city of Imo State.
He told everyone that as the country gets ready for the 2027 general elections, the police will arrest any politician or supporter who hires dangerous thugs, gives money to buy votes from poor people, carries guns around, or threatens voters and election workers.
The warning comes after past elections saw many politicians rely on tactics like paying young people to cause trouble, distributing cash at polling stations, and using weapons to scare voters away.
The police chief explained that this bad practice must stop completely so that ordinary citizens can freely choose their leaders without fear or pressure.
To make sure this plan works, the police will work hand in hand with other government agencies like the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission to catch anyone giving out money or gifts to collect votes.
Speaking directly to all political leaders and their followers preparing for the upcoming vote, the Inspector-General of Police made it clear that no one will be protected by their high status if they break the law.
Sending a straightforward message to candidates and their campaign teams, Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu said, “To politicians and their supporters, my message is simple. Compete with ideas, not with thugs”.
Warning those who use money and force to disrupt elections, he further stated, “Do not hire mobs, buy votes, move arms or threaten voters and electoral officials. The police will act against anyone who does that, whatever their status”.
Promising that bad actors will actually face real court trials rather than just appearing on television, the police chief added, “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”.
Encouraging ordinary Nigerians to stand up for their rights and vote without fear, he urged, “Impunity is the greatest encouragement of electoral crimes. To the people of Nigeria, go out, vote peacefully and report wrongdoing”.
Civil society groups and election observers have welcomed this announcement from the police. Many community leaders say that if the police truly arrest big politicians who share money and hire boys with weapons, elections in Nigeria will finally become peaceful and fair for everyone.
Jennifer Baba is a journalist, international news correspondent, and writer at Moderncrux, where she covers artificial intelligence, fintech, emerging technologies, global politics, and international affairs. Based in Nigeria, she is passionate about transforming complex global developments into clear, engaging stories that inform and inspire readers.
