2027: IGP Warns Against Partisan Policing, Demands Election Readiness

Ahead of the 2027 General Elections, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Tunde Disu, has urged police formations across the country to strengthen operational planning, intelligence gathering, personnel training and community engagement, while reiterating that the loyalty of the Police remains to the Constitution, the law and the Nigerian people, and not to any political party, candidate or interest group.

He further charged senior officers to lead by example and ensure that professionalism, impartiality, discipline, integrity, respect for citizens’ rights and accountability guide the conduct of personnel.

The IGP gave the charge at the closing ceremony of the sixth Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO 2026) that took place in Owerri, the Imo State capital, on Wednesday.

The nation’s top cop also highlighted the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence, digital intelligence and data-driven policing, alongside professional media engagement, timely and accurate communication and sustained partnership with communities in strengthening public confidence and effective policing.

The conference resolutions, presented at the closing ceremony, provided for a comprehensive Nigeria Police Election Security Roadmap anchored on intelligence, political neutrality, professionalism, technology, community partnership, accountability and inter-agency collaboration, with emphasis on early warning, operational coordination, personnel preparedness and response to election-related threats.

Mr Disu directed participating officers to adopt a train-the-trainers approach by cascading lessons from the conference to Deputy Commissioners of Police, Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, tactical commanders and other personnel under their supervision.

The occasion was attended by the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma; the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya; the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan; members of the Imo State Executive Council; senior Police officers and other invited stakeholders.

It is hoped that the Nigeria Police Force would be committed to translating the outcomes of CARSPO 2026 into improved election preparedness, stronger supervision, intelligence-led and technology-enabled policing, enhanced community engagement and professional conduct across Commands and formations nationwide.