The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has warned political thugs and hoodlums against destroying campaign posters, banners and billboards belonging to rival candidates and political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the Force described the growing incidents of deliberate destruction and defacement of political campaign materials across the country as acts of political intolerance, warning that perpetrators would be arrested and prosecuted.
The warning was contained in a statement issued by the Force, which said the destruction or unlawful removal of another candidate’s campaign materials could constitute malicious damage, a criminal offence under applicable laws.
It cited Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 326 of the Penal Code Law, which provides for the offence of mischief.
The police stressed that political differences or loyalty to a particular party did not give anyone the right to destroy another candidate’s property or prevent them from exercising their right to campaign freely.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has consequently directed Commissioners of Police across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to take proactive measures to prevent such incidents.
He also directed them to investigate reported cases and ensure that anyone found culpable is arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Force further warned that political sponsors and individuals who recruit, encourage or facilitate the destruction of campaign materials would also be held accountable if evidence established their involvement.
Reaffirming its commitment to equal protection under the law, the police said all political parties and candidates, irrespective of their affiliations or status, were entitled to display their campaign materials without intimidation or unlawful interference.
It called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and respect the rights of others.
The Force warned that it would not allow political thugs and troublemakers to turn the nation’s political environment into a theatre of lawlessness, insisting that anyone who violated the law would face the consequences.
