We’re ready for 2027 general elections – IGP Disu

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, says the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is ready for the successful conduct of the 2027 general elections.

Mr Disu gave this assurance on Tuesday in Abuja, when a delegation from the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel paid him a courtesy visit.

The IGP told the delegation led by Leonardo Simao that the NPF was adequately prepared for the elections.

“As I speak with you, we have embarked on the training of our officers and have updated their knowledge about the elections

“We have taken note of peculiar issues, and that will relate to the 2027 general elections.

“Even though the Nigeria Police Force is in charge of the internal security of the country and the elections, we know that we cannot do it alone.

“We can only succeed with the assistance of our sister security agencies, so we have been having collaborative meetings and trainings together,” he said.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for 16 January and the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections for 6 February.

Mr Disu said the force held a series of trainings with personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Customs, Immigration Service, and the Department of State Services (DSS) in preparation for the election.

He said the trainings also involved how to include everybody in the election process, especially those living with disabilities.

According to him, the officers have been trained to identify them and know what to do when they see persons with disabilities.

“So far so good, we are not afraid. We are confident that even if the elections start tomorrow, the Nigerian Police Force is ready to do what is expected of the force.

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“We are ever ready to go, and we want to assure you that Nigerians will not be disappointed with the activities of the Nigerian Police Force in the election,” he said.

Earlier, the delegation leader said political entities always compete, with emotions attached.

He said such emotions could lead to violence if not controlled, adding that the violence had always been there in West Africa and Israel.

“It is important, therefore, that all measures are taken to ensure that elections continue to be a political competition and not a danger to peace and stability of the country.

“The police have a special responsibility in the preservation of peace and stability.

“Therefore, we’d like to ask you to share with us how you see the country being prepared for elections, and in particular, your role,” he said.