The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has assured the international community, particularly foreign election observers, that the 2027 general elections will be peaceful, transparent, free, and fair.
IGP Disu gave the assurance while addressing safety concerns raised by foreign observer groups regarding the upcoming general elections.
Speaking through his representative, Francis Idu, at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) World Press Conference and National Stakeholders’ Meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, the IGP disclosed that comprehensive security arrangements were already underway.
He emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force, as the lead internal security agency, is preparing an operational plan centered on zero tolerance for electoral violence before, during, and after the polls.
“The general security situation in states such as Edo, Enugu, Taraba, and Plateau, among others, as well as ungoverned spaces, will be reviewed to ensure that all areas of concern are adequately addressed,” Disu stated.
“By December this year, we will conduct a comprehensive security review to ensure that potential violence in any state is curtailed. We will also launch ‘Operation No Electoral Violence’ to discourage election-related infractions in whatever form,” he added.
Reassuring international observers, the IGP urged them not to entertain any fears regarding their safety.
“We have mapped out our strategy and have more than enough manpower to protect all observers. Our security template will guarantee their safety throughout their stay,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of INEC disclosed that the commission will soon convene a high-level security meeting with the IGP, military service chiefs, and heads of other security agencies to harmonize operations.
“We are planning to engage directly with the leadership of all security agencies so we can sit down and review our strategies regarding these security concerns,” the INEC Chairman said.
He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to continuous improvement in electoral management, assuring citizens that lessons learned from previous elections would be applied in 2027.
“Our objective is to ensure that the process is credible, transparent, and acceptable to Nigerians. Citizens can be rest assured that INEC will do everything within its mandate to deliver free and fair elections in 2027,” he added.
