- Sokoto Police task political parties on peaceful campaigns ahead of 2027 elections
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, has urged political parties in the state to embrace peaceful and issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
CP Shaffa made the call on Wednesday in Sokoto during a stakeholders’ meeting with the leadership of various political parties in the state.
He said the Inspector-General of Police has mandated a new era of professional election security management, and that the command would not tolerate violence, thuggery or any act capable of undermining the electoral process.
“We are gathered here today not as rivals, but as custodians of Sokoto State’s future,” he said.
The CP warned against hate speech, fake news and character assassination, and asked parties to formally recommit to the National Peace Accord.
“Let your campaigns be judged by your manifestos, not by your abuses,” he stated.
He warned party Chairmen to take responsibility for their supporters actions. “If your supporters, be they youth wings or social media influencers, disturb the peace, we will hold you personally accountable. The days of looking the other way are over,” he said.
CP Shaffa added that thuggery is not a campaign strategy and that the Nigeria Police Force will enforce the Electoral Act 2022 without fear or favour.
“We will not tolerate the destruction of banners, the brandishing of weapons, or deployment of private security outfits at rallies. If you break the law, you will face the consequences,” he warned.
He stressed the need for cooperation with security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCES.
“Report flashpoints and emerging threats so we can act before violence erupts. Security is a partnership, not a spectator sport,” he said.
The CP also noted that insecurity in areas like Sabon Birni, Kware, Tureta and Isa axis must not be worsened by politics.
“We must ensure that our campaign activities do not excavate this insecurity. Protect the voters, do not endanger them,” he added.
Shaffa further said, “the law is clear and the command’s resolve is firm.
“Sokoto is bigger than any candidate. Let us work together to ensure that Sokoto’s elections are a model of stability to the entire nation.”
Responding, all the chairmen of.the political parties in the state reiterated their unwavering commitment* towards ensuring the conduct of peaceful campaigns and the 2027 general elections.
They however appealed to the Police and other security agencies to *maintain neutrality* and provide a *level-playing ground* for all parties.
The party leaders who commended the CP for convening the crucial meeting, also called on the government to take all necessary measures to restore lasting security in the state and across the nation.
They observed that this is the only way eligible Nigerians would not be disenfranchised during the forthcoming general elections.
Also speaking, the Sokoto State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Haruna Sarkin-Gobir Adiya, pledged the party’s commitment to obey electoral laws.
“We are grateful to the CP and the Command for putting us together and enlightening us to do what is right.
“The APC is 100 per cent ready to obey the law and guidelines guiding the election,” he said.
Sarkin-Gobir Adiya added that the party would sensitize supporters and sign the National Peace Accord.
“When the accord is brought for us to sign, we will sign it. Nothing will stop us,” he promised.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
