The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji DisU has called for strengthened inter-agency collaboration, including periodic strategic meetings and joint operational planning, to ensure a secure and credible electoral process in Nigeria.
The IGP made this known while receiving the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN)at the Force Headquarters.
During the visit, the INEC Chairman congratulated the police leadership and emphasized the critical role of the Nigeria Police as the lead agency in electoral security. He noted that preparations for the 2027 general elections are already underway, with the presidential election scheduled for January 15, 2027, and governorship and legislative elections set for February 6, 2027.
Prof Amupitan highlighted the importance of collaboration between electoral authorities and security agencies, describing elections as the cornerstone of democracy. He stressed that the success of the electoral process depends largely on effective coordination, intelligence sharing, and proactive security planning.
He also drew attention to upcoming electoral activities, including governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States, as well as several by-elections across the country. According to him, these exercises are critical milestones that must be conducted peacefully to sustain Nigeria’s democratic journey.
The INEC Chairman acknowledged persistent challenges such as electoral violence, vote trading, misinformation, and threats to electoral infrastructure. He called for thorough security risk assessments, identification of flashpoints, and deployment of strategies to safeguard voters, officials, and materials.
Responding, the IGP reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to professionalism, neutrality, and strict adherence to the Constitution and electoral laws. He assured that no political party or candidate would receive preferential treatment, warning that any officer found engaging in partisan conduct would face disciplinary action.
The police boss emphasized the need for timely release of electoral schedules to aid planning and coordination, while advocating stronger collaboration among security agencies. He proposed regular strategic coordination meetings at national, state, and local government levels, alongside real-time intelligence sharing and harmonised communication strategies.
According to him, the police have already commenced nationwide threat assessments, identifying key risks such as political violence, cyber manipulation, proliferation of arms, misinformation, and attacks on electoral infrastructure. He stated that intelligence-led policing and preventive strategies would be deployed to address these threats.
The IGP further assured that adequate security would be provided for INEC personnel, materials, and facilities, including collation centres and ICT infrastructure. He added that electoral offenders, including those involved in vote buying, voter intimidation, and destruction of materials, would be arrested and prosecuted.
Both parties reiterated their commitment to ensuring that the 2027 general elections are peaceful, transparent, and credible, with inclusive provisions for internally displaced persons and persons living with disabilities.
The meeting underscores the growing emphasis on synergy between electoral and security institutions as Nigeria prepares for another critical democratic exercise
