The Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Hassan Shafa, has warned political parties and their supporters against violence, hate speech, fake news, and other acts capable of undermining the 2027 elections.
Shafa gave the warning during a meeting with chairmen and representatives of political parties in the state, where he urged them to embrace peaceful campaigns and cooperate with security agencies to ensure credible and violence-free elections.
The commissioner said the forthcoming elections should not be viewed as a battle but as a contest of ideas to be determined by the electorate.
“We are gathered here today not as rivals but as custodians of Sokoto State’s future. The elections ahead are not a war to be won by force. They are a contest of ideas to be won by the will of the people,” he said.
ALSO READ: Sokoto CP pledges open-door policy, stronger media relations
He outlined five key areas for engagement with the political parties: peaceful conduct, accountability, zero tolerance for violence and illegal conduct, cooperation with security agencies, and recognition of the security challenges facing the state.
Shafa urged political leaders to discourage abusive campaigns, fake news, and character assassination, while calling on them to allow their manifestos and policies to speak for them.
“We must move from the politics of insult to the politics of issues. There is no room for hate speech, fake news, or character assassination,” he said.
The CP warned party leaders that they would be held responsible for the conduct of their supporters, including youth groups and social media influencers.
“If your supporters, be they youth wings or social media influencers, disturb the peace, we will hold you personally accountable. The days of looking the other way are over,” he said.
He also warned against the destruction of campaign posters and banners, the display of weapons, and the use of private security outfits during rallies, stressing that the police would enforce the Electoral Act 2022.
“The Nigerian Police Force will enforce the Electoral Act 2022 without fear or favor. If you break the law, you will face the consequences,” Shafa said.
He called on political parties to provide security agencies with relevant information on emerging threats and potential flashpoints, saying security was a collective responsibility.
Shafa further cautioned politicians against exposing voters to danger in areas affected by banditry, including Sabon Birni, Rabah, Kebbe, Tureta, and Isa axes.
“Protect the voters; do not endanger them,” he said.
Responding, the Sokoto State APC Chairman, Haruna Adiya, said the party was prepared to comply with all laws governing the elections.
Adiya said the APC would sensitise its supporters on the need to conduct themselves peacefully and within the law.
He added that the party would support the police command and was ready to sign the proposed peace accord when presented.
The ADC State Vice Chairman, Isiaka Keegan, commended the police for organising the meeting and urged political and security leaders to act with the fear of God.
Keegan alleged that some political leaders sponsor youths to disrupt the activities of their opponents, stressing that Sokoto State belonged to all citizens irrespective of political affiliation.
He also called for fairness in the enforcement of electoral regulations and urged political parties to support the police commissioner in achieving his security objectives.
The Labour Party chairman, Abubakar Yawale, blamed politicians for the persistence of electoral violence, accusing some parties of harboring political thugs.
He alleged that some politicians go as far as lobbying for the release of suspected political thugs arrested by security agencies.
“Political area boys do not, in most cases, vote during elections, but they are used to snatch ballot boxes and commit other atrocities,” Yawale said.
He urged political leaders to preach peace to their candidates and supporters and allow the electorate to freely choose their leaders.
Also speaking, the NDC Secretary, Bello Labaran, who represented the party chairman, called for the involvement of other security agencies in election planning.
Labaran said agencies such as the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Department of State Services should be fully incorporated into election security arrangements.
He also alleged that environmental regulations on the display of campaign posters and banners were being selectively enforced against opposition parties in Sokoto metropolis.
According to him, opposition parties had been warned against placing posters and banners on major roads and roundabouts, while similar materials belonging to the ruling APC were allegedly left untouched.
“We want a situation where there is a free and fair place for every political party to play its role,” Labaran said.
He maintained that the NDC would not compromise its principles but would pursue its political ambitions within the confines of the law.