Bauchi Police Urge Political Parties to Embrace Peaceful Campaigns Ahead of 2027 Elections

By Nasiru Hassan 

The Bauchi State Police Command has urged political parties in the state to conduct peaceful, issue-based campaigns and adhere strictly to electoral laws ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, gave the charge through the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Abdulmajid Isah, during a meeting with leaders of political parties at the Police Headquarters in Bauchi.

The police commissioner assured political parties of adequate and impartial security during the electioneering period, stressing that political competition should focus on ideas, policies and development rather than personal attacks and confrontation.

“Politics is a contest of ideas. Bauchi State is bigger than any election, and we must all work to keep the peace,” the commissioner said.

According to a press release issued on Thursday by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafi’u Habib, the meeting was attended by 12 representatives of 10 registered political parties in the state.

The police urged party leaders to promote their policies and manifestos without resorting to abusive language against political opponents, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), traditional institutions or security agencies.

The Command also warned political parties against blocking roads, disrupting opponents’ rallies or violating approved venues, campaign schedules and sound limits.

It further cautioned against carrying firearms, dangerous weapons or illicit drugs to political gatherings, as well as mobilising suspected political thugs, Sara-Suka groups or vigilante groups to intimidate opponents.

On the use of social media during campaigns, the police said their Cybercrime Unit would monitor online political activities and warned parties that they could be held responsible for the actions of their agents, supporters and media handlers.

The commissioner also drew attention to relevant provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the Cybercrimes Act, warning against political violence, thuggery, destruction of campaign materials, hate speech, incitement, cyberbullying, stalking and the deliberate spread of false information.

In their responses, the political party leaders called on the police to ensure equal and fair treatment for all parties throughout the electioneering period.

They also urged the Command to address the alleged excessive display of campaign posters, banners and billboards by some political parties in public spaces, particularly where campaign materials obstruct traffic at roundabouts and road junctions, potentially increasing the risk of accidents.

The police assured the party representatives of their commitment to providing a level playing field for all political actors.

The Command further urged the parties to appoint Peace and Compliance Officers to liaise with Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Area Commanders and to prepare to sign the Bauchi State Peace Accord before the commencement of full campaigns.

CP Aliyu also called on political party leaders to caution their supporters and use their platforms to promote peace, tolerance and unity across the state.

The meeting forms part of the Command’s efforts to promote peaceful political participation and prevent electoral violence as Bauchi State prepares for the 2027 general elections.