2027: Kano Police Warn Politicians Against Violence, Hate Speech

The Kano State Police Command has warned political parties, candidates and their supporters against violence, hate speech, misinformation and other acts capable of undermining peace during the 2027 general elections.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, gave the warning during  a strategic stakeholders’ engagement meeting with political party leaders, candidates, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and sister security agencies in Kano.

Bakori said the meeting, held at the Police Officers’ Mess, Bompai, was aimed at engaging critical stakeholders ahead of the elections and developing a framework for peaceful, credible and violence-free campaigns before, during and after the exercise.

He said Kano remained one of the most politically active and populous states in Nigeria, stressing that all stakeholders must ensure that political contests did not undermine the peace and security enjoyed by residents.

The commissioner urged political parties and their supporters to shun hate speech, fake news, misinformation, ethnic division and religious bigotry, noting that inflammatory statements, particularly on social media, could heighten tension and mislead the public.

He also called on politicians to reject thuggery, clashes and destruction of campaign materials, saying political contests should be based on ideas, policies and records of service rather than force and intimidation.

Bakori further urged political parties and candidates to respect the rule of law and electoral guidelines, assuring them that the police and other security agencies would enforce the Electoral Act 2022 and other relevant laws without fear or favour.

He said party leaders must take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters, including youth groups and social media influencers, warning that the command would hold party leadership accountable for actions by their members capable of threatening public peace.

The commissioner assured political parties of a level playing field, saying the command’s approach would remain firm, fair, professional and apolitical.

According to him, the command will deploy adequate personnel to protect INEC facilities, candidates and campaign venues, while intensifying intelligence gathering and proactive policing in identified political flashpoints.

He added that a dedicated Election Security Situation Room and Complaint Response Desk would be established to facilitate prompt response to security concerns and complaints during the electoral process.

Bakori said the command would also work closely with INEC, IPAC, CSOs and community leaders to monitor developments and de-escalate tensions.

He warned that the police would arrest and prosecute anyone, regardless of status, found engaging in acts capable of breaching public peace, including incitement, mischief and electoral offences.

The commissioner called on stakeholders to preserve Kano’s reputation for political maturity and ensure that the 2027 elections served as a model for other parts of the country.

He urged political leaders to take the message of “Peace First. Kano First. Nigeria First” back to their parties and constituencies, while calling on stakeholders to commit themselves to a peace pact ahead of the elections.