By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Police Force has vowed to clamp down on political thugs, hoodlums and other individuals involved in the destruction, defacement and unlawful removal of campaign posters, banners and billboards belonging to political parties and candidates ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The Force warned that anyone found engaging in such acts would be arrested and prosecuted, stressing that political intolerance and deliberate attacks on opponents’ campaign materials constitute criminal conduct capable of undermining the nation’s democratic process.
According to an official statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the Police expressed serious concern over growing incidents of destruction of political campaign materials across the country and condemned the development as an act of political intolerance.
The Force noted that destroying, defacing or unlawfully removing another candidate’s campaign posters and billboards could amount to malicious damage, an offence punishable under applicable criminal laws, including Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 326 of the Penal Code Law.
It stressed that political differences or allegiance to a particular party do not give individuals the right to destroy the property of opponents or interfere with their constitutional right to campaign freely.
To strengthen enforcement, 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 to take proactive measures to prevent such incidents, investigate reported cases and ensure the arrest and prosecution of those found culpable.
The IGP also warned that political sponsors and individuals who recruit, encourage or facilitate the destruction of campaign materials would not be spared, noting that they would equally be held accountable where evidence establishes their involvement.
The Police further called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and respect the rights of others, irrespective of political affiliations.
Reaffirming the Force’s determination to maintain law and order throughout the political process, the Police warned that it would not allow political thugs and troublemakers to turn the nation’s political environment into a theatre of lawlessness, insisting that offenders would face the full consequences of their actions.
