2027: Bauchi Police Warn Parties Against Thuggery, Hate Speech and Political Violence

The Bauchi State Police Command has warned political parties against thuggery, hate speech and political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging them to conduct issue-based campaigns and comply with electoral laws.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, gave the warning during a meeting with leaders of political parties at the command’s headquarters in Bauchi.

Aliyu, who was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Abdulmajid Isah, assured the parties of adequate and impartial security throughout the electioneering period.

He urged political actors to focus on their policies and manifestoes rather than resort to personal attacks and abusive language against opponents, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), traditional institutions and security agencies.

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

The police commissioner also cautioned parties against blocking roads, disrupting opponents’ rallies and violating approved campaign venues, time limits and sound restrictions.

He warned political leaders against bringing firearms, dangerous weapons or illicit drugs to political gatherings, as well as recruiting thugs, members of the Sara-Suka group and vigilantes to intimidate opponents or cause unrest.

On online political activities, Aliyu disclosed that the command’s Cybercrime Unit would monitor campaigns in cyberspace, warning that parties would be held responsible for the conduct of their agents, supporters and media handlers.

He further drew attention to relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and the Cybercrimes Act, which prescribe penalties for offences including political violence, destruction of campaign materials, hate speech, incitement, cyberbullying, stalking and the deliberate dissemination of false information.

The meeting was attended by 12 representatives from 10 registered political parties in the state.

In their responses, the party representatives commended the police for engaging political stakeholders and called for fair and equal treatment of all parties during the electioneering period.

They also raised concerns about the indiscriminate display of campaign posters, banners and billboards in public spaces, particularly at roundabouts and road junctions where they could obstruct traffic and increase the risk of accidents.

The police command reaffirmed its commitment to providing a level playing field for all political parties and urged each party to appoint a Peace and Compliance Officer to liaise with Divisional Police Officers and area commanders on campaign-related matters.

The parties were also encouraged to prepare to sign the Bauchi State Peace Accord before the commencement of full campaigns.

Aliyu urged political leaders to caution their supporters against actions capable of disrupting public peace and to use their platforms to promote tolerance, unity and peaceful participation in the democratic process.