2027 Elections: Police Threaten Prosecution Over Destruction of Campaign Materials

ABUJA — The Nigeria Police Force has issued a stern warning to politicians, political thugs and other individuals involved in vandalising campaign posters, banners and billboards, threatening to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the offences.

The police warning comes amid growing complaints from political parties and candidates who accuse suspected political opponents of sponsoring thugs to destroy their campaign materials, thereby frustrating their efforts to publicise their campaigns and connect with voters.

The warning was issued on a day security agencies prevented a potential clash between supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during political activities in Calabar, Cross River State.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu, condemned the destruction of campaign materials and warned those involved to immediately discontinue the practice or face legal consequences.

According to the statement:

“The Nigeria Police Force has observed with serious concern the growing incidents of deliberate tearing, defacement and destruction of political campaign posters, banners and billboards belonging to candidates and political parties across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The Force strongly condemns this act of political intolerance and warns political thugs, hoodlums and other mischief-makers involved to desist immediately.

“For the avoidance of doubt, destroying, defacing or unlawfully removing another candidate’s campaign posters and billboards may constitute malicious damage, which is a criminal offence under applicable criminal laws (Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 326 of the Penal Code Law which defines 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 Force reiterates that all political parties and candidates, irrespective of their affiliation or status, are entitled to equal protection under the law.

“No individual or group has the right to determine whose campaign materials should be displayed or destroyed.

Disu Orders State Police Commissioners to Act

The police said Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, had directed commissioners of police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to take preventive measures against the destruction of political campaign materials.

The statement added:

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has directed commissioners of police across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, to take proactive measures to prevent such acts.

‘’He ordered investigation of reported incidents to ensure that persons found culpable are arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

‘Political sponsors and individuals who recruit, encourage or facilitate these criminal acts will equally be held accountable where evidence establishes their involvement.

“The Force calls on political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and respect the rights of others. Nigeria’s democratic process must not be undermined by political intolerance, intimidation or criminal conduct.

“The Nigeria Police Force will not allow political thugs and troublemakers 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. Be warned. Respect the law. Let democracy thrive.”

Several incidents of campaign material destruction have recently been reported in different parts of the country.

In Ekpoma, Edo State, a viral video showed some youths tearing down a mini-billboard displaying the photographs of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, the presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

There were also reports of youths removing and destroying campaign billboards belonging to President Bola Tinubu and the APC in Kano State.

In Adamawa State, suspected miscreants reportedly vandalised campaign posters and banners belonging to local aspirants in Numan and Nassarawo Demsa.

The NDC also raised concerns over the destruction of its campaign banners in Onicha-Uku and Aniocha North areas of Delta State, warning against further provocations.

In Rivers State, the destruction of a campaign billboard belonging to Obi reportedly heightened political tension.

Security Operatives Avert Possible Clash Between Obi-Kwankwaso, APC Supporters

In a separate development, police and other security operatives prevented a possible violent confrontation between supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso and APC supporters in Calabar, Cross River State, on Wednesday.

The incident occurred around a hotel situated along Murtala Mohammed Highway, near the U.J. Esuene Stadium, where the NDC had scheduled a meeting expected to feature Obi and his running mate, Kwankwaso.

However, APC supporters had also gathered in large numbers for a street rally in the same area, resulting in both groups converging in front of the hotel.

Hundreds of Obi-Kwankwaso supporters reportedly blocked the highway in an apparent attempt to stop the APC supporters from reaching the venue.

Security personnel intervened, separated the two groups and redirected the APC supporters away from the hotel.

Following the development, the hotel management restricted access to its premises while security operatives maintained a strong presence around the facility.

A police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the intervention helped prevent what could have turned into a bloody confrontation.

“What we have done is very necessary; otherwise, it would have been a bloody scene,” he said.

Police Explain How Clash Was Prevented

The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident to Vanguard in a WhatsApp message through its Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah.

Eitokpah said the command’s timely intervention and engagement with the groups helped prevent a breakdown of law and order.

He said:

“Cross River State police command, through timely intervention and constructive engagement, helped avert a possible confrontation between participants at a presidential town hall meeting organised by NDC at hotel along the Murtala Mohammed Highway in Calabar, and a group of supporters of the APC undertaking a rally/road walk towards the Governor’s Office.

“Upon the convergence of both groups in front of Metropolitan Hotel, police officers promptly engaged them, appealing to all parties to exercise restraint, maintain peace and ensure that their respective activities were conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law.”

As of the time of filing the report, officials of the two political camps had not publicly commented on the incident, although some senior APC officials were seen departing the area around the NDC meeting.

Obi and Kwankwaso had also not arrived at the hotel venue, while party leaders, supporters and other stakeholders gathered within the premises and outside the facility.

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