By Divine Sam
The Nigeria Police Force has warned politicians, political thugs and their supporters against tearing down, defacing or destroying campaign posters, banners and billboards belonging to rival candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The police said offenders would be arrested and prosecuted, warning that political differences must not be used as an excuse to intimidate opponents or undermine their right to campaign freely.
The warning follows reports of increasing incidents of campaign materials being vandalised or removed in some parts of the country as political parties and aspirants intensify preparations for the forthcoming elections.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the police expressed concern over what they described as growing acts of political intolerance involving the deliberate destruction of campaign materials.
“The Nigeria Police Force strongly condemns this act of political intolerance and warns political thugs, hoodlums and other mischief-makers involved to desist immediately,” the statement read.
The Force explained that the unlawful removal or destruction of campaign materials belonging to another candidate could amount to malicious damage, an offence punishable under relevant Nigerian laws.
It specifically cited Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 326 of the Penal Code Law, which provide for the offence of mischief.
“Political differences or loyalty to a particular party do not give anyone the right to destroy another candidate’s property or infringe on their right to campaign freely,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to impartiality, the police said all political parties and candidates, irrespective of their affiliations or political standing, were entitled to equal protection under the law.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has consequently directed commissioners of police across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to take preventive measures, investigate reported cases and ensure that anyone found responsible is arrested and prosecuted.
The police also warned that political sponsors and individuals who finance, recruit or encourage the destruction of campaign materials would not escape responsibility where evidence establishes their involvement.
“The Nigeria Police Force will not allow political thugs and troublemakers to turn the nation’s political environment into a theatre of lawlessness. Those who choose to break the law will face the full consequences of their actions,” the statement said.
The Force urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to embrace peaceful campaigns, respect opposing political views and allow all contestants to exercise their democratic rights without intimidation.
It stressed that political intolerance, vandalism and other acts of hostility must not be allowed to threaten the country’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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