By Ankeli Emmanuel (In Sokoto State)
The Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Shafa, has cautioned candidates, political parties and their supporters against violence, hate speech, disinformation, and other actions that could threaten the peaceful conduct of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing politicians Wednesday during a meeting with chairmen and representatives of the various political parties in the state ahead of campaign activities, the CP said political actors should see politics as a competition of policies and ideas and not a struggle for power that could degenerate into violence.
“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,” he said.
The commissioner identified peaceful political engagement, accountability, zero tolerance for violence and other illegal acts, cooperation with security agencies, and awareness of the state’s security challenges as key areas requiring the parties’ attention.
CP Shafa appealed to politicians to avoid abusive campaigns, spreading false information, and attacking the character of opponents, saying candidates should allow their policies and manifestos to convince voters.
“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,” Shafa said.
Shafa further warned that political parties would be held accountable for the conduct of their supporters, including youth groups 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 said.
He further cautioned against the destruction of campaign materials, carrying weapons to political gatherings, and deploying private security outfits during rallies, saying the
the police would enforce the Electoral Act 2022 impartially against anyone who violated its provisions.
“The Nigeria Police Force will enforce the Electoral Act 2022 without fear or favour. If you break the law, you will face the consequences,” Shafa said.
Shafa further urged political parties to share intelligence on emerging security threats and possible flashpoints with security agencies, stressing that election security requires collective responsibility.
He also warned politicians against exposing voters to danger in areas affected by banditry, including Sabon Birni, Rabah, Kebbe, Tureta, and Isa.
Reacting, Sokoto APC Chairman, Haruna Adiya, pledged the party’s commitment to complying with electoral laws and sensitising its supporters on peaceful conduct.
Adiya said the party would cooperate with the police command and expressed its readiness to sign the proposed peace accord when presented.
The ADC State Vice Chairman, Bello Isyaku, commended the police for convening the meeting and urged political and security leaders to discharge their responsibilities with the fear of God.
Isyaku alleged that some politicians sponsor youths to disrupt opponents’ activities, stressing that Sokoto belongs to all residents regardless of political affiliation.
He also called for fairness and impartiality in the enforcement of electoral regulations, just as he appealed to political parties to support the police command’s security efforts.
The Labour Party Chairman, Abubakar Yawale, blamed politicians for the persistence of electoral violence, alleging that some political parties harbour thugs and use them to cause trouble during elections.
He claimed that some politicians even lobby security authorities for the release of suspected political thugs arrested for electoral offences.
“Political area boys do not, in most cases, vote during elections, but they are used to snatch ballot boxes and commit other atrocities".
He urged political leaders to promote peaceful participation among candidates and supporters and allow voters to freely choose their representatives.
Similarly, the NDC Secretary, Bello Labaran, who represented the party chairman, called for wider participation of security agencies in election planning.
He specifically mentioned the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, and Department of State Services, saying their involvement would strengthen election security arrangements.
Labaran also alleged selective enforcement of environmental regulations governing campaign posters and banners in Sokoto metropolis.
According to him, opposition parties had been warned against placing campaign materials on major roads and roundabouts, while similar materials belonging to the ruling APC were allegedly allowed to remain.
“We want a situation where there is a level playing field for every political party to play its role,” Labaran said.
He said the NDC remained committed to pursuing its political objectives within the law and would not compromise its principles. NNL.
