2027: Bayelsa CP vows crackdown on election violence, cultism

The Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, has warned politicians and their supporters against violence, cult-related activities, intimidation of electoral officials and inflammatory statements ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Adewale said the police would work with the Independent National Electoral Commission and other security agencies to ensure that voters freely elect their preferred candidates without fear, threats or harassment.

The police commissioner gave the warning on Tuesday during an INEC election stakeholders’ forum in Yenagoa, where he called on political parties, candidates, traditional rulers, youth groups and civil society organisations to take collective responsibility for peaceful elections.

He said the police command was committed to protecting the electoral process and would not tolerate actions capable of undermining public confidence in the elections.

According to him, the forum provided an opportunity for stakeholders to identify potential security challenges and develop strategies to prevent violence before, during and after the polls.

“The idea of bringing together all the potential key players in the forthcoming exercise is not just a mere gathering but a strategic non-kinetic engagement towards ensuring a credible and rancour-free electioneering,” Adewale said.

He stressed that the success of the 2027 elections would depend on the willingness of all stakeholders to respect democratic principles and allow citizens to exercise their voting rights without interference.

“An election is a shared national responsibility; INEC conducts the process, but every institution and stakeholder represented here has a part to play in ensuring that citizens can participate freely and peacefully,” he said.

The commissioner disclosed that the police were already working with INEC and other security agencies to strengthen preparations for the general elections.

He said the command would ensure adequate attention was given to security threats while maintaining respect for the electoral umpire’s independence and the rights of citizens.

“Our responsibility is to help provide a safe environment before, during and after the polls, while respecting INEC’s independence and the rights of every citizen,” he stated.

Adewale said police officers deployed for election duties would be trained to maintain professional standards and avoid partisan conduct, adding that security personnel must protect all political parties equally.

“Our personnel will be continuously tutored on the expected standards: professionalism, impartiality and restraint,” he said.

He added, “The Police and other agencies must serve the law and protect the process without favouring any political party or candidate.”

The police chief identified political violence, cult activities, threats against electoral officers and the spread of inflammatory misinformation as major concerns that required early intervention.

He said the command would use the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to improve intelligence sharing, identify areas of concern and coordinate responses with other security agencies.

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“We are paying attention to threats that could disrupt the process, including political violence, cult-related activities, threats against election officials and the spread of inflammatory misinformation,” Adewale said.

He explained that security agencies would continue to share relevant information and assess potential flashpoints to prevent emerging threats from escalating into violence.

“Through ICCES, we will continue to share relevant information, identify areas of concern and coordinate our response with sister agencies,” he added.

Adewale also warned political parties and their candidates against provocative campaigns, urging them to respect the rights of their opponents and comply with the stipulated campaign timetable.

He said political leaders had a responsibility to control their supporters and discourage language that could heighten tensions or trigger clashes.

“I urge political parties, candidates and all political actors to respect each other’s rights; ensure they campaign within the stipulated timeframe and prevail on their supporters to shun violence and inflammatory language,” he said.

The commissioner further urged traditional rulers, community leaders and youth organisations to intervene promptly whenever political disagreements threatened the peace of their communities.

He called on residents to report credible security threats to the appropriate authorities rather than allow tensions to escalate unchecked.

He also cautioned journalists and media organisations against publishing unverified election-related information, noting that rumours could provoke fear, hostility and unrest.

“The media also has a vital role in verifying information before publication, particularly when rumours could provoke fear or unrest,” he said.

Adewale assured stakeholders that the police command would take allegations of intimidation, threats and misconduct seriously, while welcoming constructive engagement from members of the public.

“The Police Command is committed to protecting the people’s rights to participate in a peaceful electoral process,” he said.

He expressed confidence that cooperation among INEC, security agencies, political parties, community leaders and the media would help minimise electoral risks and strengthen public confidence in the democratic process.

The commissioner urged stakeholders to use the forum to develop practical solutions to security concerns, stressing that peaceful elections required the active participation of every segment of society.

“By working together, we can address risks early and help deliver an election in which every indigene of Bayelsa can participate with confidence,” he said.