2027: SOKOTO POLICE CAUTION POLITICAL PARTIES AGAINST VIOLENCE, HATE SPEECH

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By; Sunmola Ganiyat

The Sokoto State Police Command has cautioned political parties and their supporters against violence, hate speech, fake news and other activities capable of disrupting the 2027 general elections.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Hassan Shafa, issued the warning on Wednesday during a meeting with chairmen and representatives of political parties in the state.

Shafa urged political actors to conduct peaceful campaigns and cooperate with security agencies to ensure that the forthcoming elections are credible, peaceful and free from violence.

The commissioner stressed that elections should not be treated as a battle, but as a contest of ideas in which voters determine their preferred candidates through the ballot.

He identified peaceful conduct, accountability, zero tolerance for violence and other illegal activities, cooperation with security agencies, and awareness of the state’s security challenges as key areas requiring the attention of political parties.

Shafa also urged party leaders to discourage abusive campaigns, misinformation and character assassination, advising politicians to focus on their policies, programmes and manifestos.

He warned that political leaders would be held accountable for the actions of their supporters, including youth groups and social media influencers, if their activities threatened public peace.

The commissioner further cautioned against the destruction of campaign posters and banners, possession or display of weapons, and the use of private security outfits during political rallies.

He said the police would enforce the Electoral Act 2022 without favour, warning that anyone who violated electoral laws would face the consequences.

Shafa called on political parties to share information about emerging security threats and possible flashpoints with security agencies, noting that the responsibility for maintaining a peaceful electoral environment rested on all stakeholders.

He also advised politicians to exercise caution when organising political activities in areas affected by banditry, particularly Sabon Birni, Rabah, Kebbe, Tureta and Isa, urging them not to expose voters to unnecessary risks.

Responding on behalf of the political parties, the Sokoto State APC Chairman, Haruna Adiya, pledged the party’s commitment to complying with electoral laws and sensitising its supporters on peaceful conduct.

Adiya said the party was also prepared to support the police command and sign the proposed peace accord when presented.

The ADC State Vice Chairman, Isiaka Keegan, commended the police for convening the meeting and called on political and security leaders to prioritise peace.

Keegan alleged that some political leaders sponsor youths to disrupt the activities of their opponents, stressing that Sokoto State belonged to all residents regardless of their political affiliations.

He also appealed for fairness and impartiality in the enforcement of electoral regulations.

The Labour Party Chairman, Abubakar Yawale, blamed political actors for the persistence of electoral violence, alleging that some politicians harbour and sponsor political thugs.

Yawale urged politicians to discourage their supporters from engaging in violence and allow voters to freely choose their leaders during elections.

Similarly, the NDC Secretary, Bello Labaran, who represented the party chairman, called for broader participation by security agencies in election security planning.

He specifically advocated the inclusion of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service and Department of State Services in election security arrangements.

Labaran also alleged that regulations governing the placement of campaign posters and banners were being selectively enforced against opposition parties in Sokoto metropolis.

He called for a level playing field where all political parties could operate and campaign freely within the provisions of the law.

The NDC representative maintained that the party would continue to pursue its political objectives while respecting existing laws and regulations.