By Ibrahim Bello
The Kebbi Police Command has assured political parties, candidates, and other stakeholders of its neutrality, professionalism, and equal protection for all participants ahead of the electioneering campaign for the 2027 general elections.
The Commissioner of Police, Umar Hadejia, gave the assurance on Monday in Birnin Kebbi at a stakeholders’ engagement organised ahead of campaigns for the governorship and State House of Assembly elections, which open nationwide on Sept. 9, 2026.
Hadejia said the command would not favour or discriminate against any political party, candidate, or citizen, stressing that the law would be applied fairly to all.
“We are gathered at a defining moment, as electioneering activities for the offices of State Governor and House of Assembly members will officially commence nationwide on Sept. 9.
“This engagement is therefore critical to set standards for peaceful conduct during the campaign period,” he said.
The commissioner said the state’s security situation required proactive measures, given its international borders with the Benin and Niger Republics, and its boundaries with Zamfara, Sokoto, and Niger states.
He identified Arewa, Augie, Dandi, Bagudo, Shanga, Danko/Wasagu, and Sakaba Local Government Areas as border areas requiring particular attention.
He said the command would work in synergy with sister security agencies and deploy personnel, equipment, and other operational resources to secure campaign venues and the general public throughout the period.
“Our goal is to create a secure environment where democracy can thrive without fear or intimidation,” he assured.
Hadejia urged political parties, candidates, and support groups to notify the police of their planned activities, including itineraries, routes, and timings, at least 48 hours before any event to facilitate security coordination and prevent clashes.
The commissioner warned against hate speech, ethnic and religious incitement, fake news, and “digital thuggery.”
He said offenders would be prosecuted under the Cybercrime Act and other relevant laws, adding that the command would enforce the Electoral Act 2022 against vote buying, destruction of campaign materials, voter intimidation, and the use of political thugs.
“No one is above the law,” he warned.
The commissioner said all incidents arising from political activities would be documented and investigated, while urging party leaders to caution their supporters against violence and the media to promote factual reporting.
He disclosed that the command had made contingency plans and commenced early deployment to cover all 21 LGAs of the state.
Hadejia also appealed to political actors to conduct issue-based campaigns and shun violence in all its ramifications.
Also speaking, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in the state, Alhaji Abubakar S/Fawa-Dambo, urged political parties and candidates to strictly adhere to electoral laws and guidelines.
S/Fawa-Dambo advised candidates to adhere to campaign spending limits, avoid hate speech, and comply with all campaign regulations.
He said that the success of the 2027 elections would depend largely on how effectively parties, candidates, and INEC discharged their responsibilities.
On his part, the Kebbi Chief Judge, Justice Umar Abubakar, represented by Justice Muhammad Nuradeen, stressed the critical role of the judiciary in resolving electoral disputes, describing the campaign period as one of the most volatile phases of the electoral process.
Abubakar recommended early resolution of internal party disputes, strict adherence to campaign guidelines, responsible use of social media, and stronger synergy among security agencies.
The representative of the State Department of State Services (DSS), the Deputy Director in charge of Operations, Jamilu Babura, briefed participants on potential security threats and urged political parties and candidates to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to prevent threats to public safety.
In his presentation, the State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Malam Nasiru Karofi, advocated for issue-based campaigns devoid of bitterness and violence, while urging citizens to shun election apathy.
“This year’s campaigns are expected to be issue-based, not campaigns of bitterness. We must also avoid election apathy,” he said.
Karofi expressed concern over the low turnout at the engagement and urged participants to take the message of peaceful participation, civic responsibility, and electoral awareness to the grassroots.
He cautioned citizens against voting based on emotion, which he said, could undermine democratic governance.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the engagement was attended by leaders of political parties, candidates, traditional and religious leaders, members of the judiciary, civil society organisations, the media, and members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).