2027: Kano CP warns politicians against violence

The Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, has warned political parties and contestants against violence, hate speech, fake news, and other acts capable of threatening peace ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Bakori gave the warning on Thursday during a strategic engagement with political party leaders and contestants at the Police Command, Bompai, Kano.

The development was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police.

“Political leaders and contestants must understand that the security of Kano is a collective responsibility. We will not allow political activities to become a platform for violence, intimidation or destruction of property,” Bakori said.

He urged political actors to shun hate speech, fake news and incitement, while warning against the use of thugs and digital platforms to provoke violence.

“Shun hate speech, fake news and incitement, whether online or offline. Reject violence and thuggery in all forms, because no political ambition is worth the destruction of lives and property,” he said.

Bakori also directed political parties and candidates to comply with the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC guidelines, including obtaining necessary permits before holding rallies, while urging party leaders to take responsibility for their supporters’ conduct.

“You must call your supporters to order and take responsibility for their conduct. Nobody should hide behind supporters to breach public peace or commit electoral offences,” the commissioner warned.

An INEC representative addressed the meeting on electoral guidelines, while representatives of 13 political parties pledged support for the command’s peace initiative.

Bakori assured contestants of a level playing field, saying the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, would provide security for INEC facilities, candidates and campaign venues, while intensifying intelligence-led and proactive policing.

He disclosed that the command would establish an Election Security Situation Room and Complaint Response Desk to strengthen its response to emerging threats and electoral complaints.

The commissioner warned that anyone found violating the law or threatening public peace would be arrested and prosecuted irrespective of political status.

“Anyone, regardless of status, found breaching public peace or committing electoral offences will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” Bakori said.

He urged political leaders and contestants to make peace central to their campaigns, calling on them to embrace the slogan, “Peace First. Kano First. Nigeria First,” and work towards making Kano a model for peaceful elections.