The Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, has warned politicians and their supporters against violence, cult-related activities, intimidation of electoral officials and inflammatory statements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adewale said the police would work with the Independent National Electoral Commission and other security agencies to ensure that voters freely elect their preferred candidates without fear, threats or harassment.
The police commissioner gave the warning on Tuesday during an INEC election stakeholders’ forum in Yenagoa, where he called on political parties, candidates, traditional rulers, youth groups and civil society organisations to take collective responsibility for peaceful elections.
He said the police command was committed to protecting the electoral process and would not tolerate actions capable of undermining public confidence in the elections.
According to him, the forum provided an opportunity for stakeholders to identify potential security challenges and develop strategies to prevent violence before, during and after the polls.
He stressed that the success of the 2027 elections would depend on the willingness of all stakeholders to respect democratic principles and allow citizens to exercise their voting rights without interference.
The commissioner disclosed that the police were already working with INEC and other security agencies to strengthen preparations for the general elections.
He said the command would ensure adequate attention was given to security threats while maintaining respect for the electoral umpire’s independence and the rights of citizens.
Adewale said police officers deployed for election duties would be trained to maintain professional standards and avoid partisan conduct, adding that security personnel must protect all political parties equally.
The police chief identified political violence, cult activities, threats against electoral officers and the spread of inflammatory misinformation as major concerns that required early intervention.
He said the command would use the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to improve intelligence sharing, identify areas of concern and coordinate responses with other security agencies.
He explained that security agencies would continue to share relevant information and assess potential flashpoints to prevent emerging threats from escalating into violence.
Adewale also warned political parties and their candidates against provocative campaigns, urging them to respect the rights of their opponents and comply with the stipulated campaign timetable.
He said political leaders had a responsibility to control their supporters and discourage language that could heighten tensions or trigger clashes.
The commissioner further urged traditional rulers, community leaders and youth organisations to intervene promptly whenever political disagreements threatened the peace of their communities.
He called on residents to report credible security threats to the appropriate authorities rather than allow tensions to escalate unchecked.
He also cautioned journalists and media organisations against publishing unverified election-related information, noting that rumours could provoke fear, hostility and unrest.
Adewale assured stakeholders that the police command would take allegations of intimidation, threats and misconduct seriously, while welcoming constructive engagement from members of the public.
He expressed confidence that cooperation among INEC, security agencies, political parties, community leaders and the media would help minimise electoral risks and strengthen public confidence in the democratic process.
The commissioner urged stakeholders to use the forum to develop practical solutions to security concerns, stressing that peaceful elections required the active participation of every segment of society.
