Tinubu Warns Police Against Political Bias Ahead of 2027 Elections

President Bola Tinubu has warned the Nigeria Police Force against allowing political interests to influence its conduct ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging officers to maintain professionalism and impartiality.

Tinubu issued the warning at the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO) in Owerri, Imo State, where his address was delivered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

The President said the police must be regarded as a national institution serving Nigerians rather than any political interest, stressing that every citizen should feel protected regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, social status or location.

“The police must be seen not as an instrument of any political interest, but as a national institution serving the Nigerian people and protecting the constitutional order,” Tinubu said.

He said election security extends beyond protecting polling stations and electoral materials, adding that the police must protect citizens and electoral officials, prevent violence and intimidation, and create a safe environment for political parties and candidates to campaign.

Tinubu also pledged continued government support for police reforms, including investment in personnel, training, technology, intelligence infrastructure, operational logistics and welfare. He urged the Force to improve intelligence gathering, response times, community engagement and cooperation with other security agencies.

Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu unveiled a six-point framework for securing the 2027 elections at the same conference.

The framework covers intelligence and early-warning systems; training and preparedness; joint command and inter-agency coordination; communication and technology; community partnerships; and political neutrality.

Disu also warned police officers against taking sides in the elections, saying officers who collude with political actors, abuse their powers or interfere improperly in the electoral process would face investigation and disciplinary action.

He said the police must prepare before election-related crises occur, including by identifying potential flashpoints, protecting electoral personnel and materials, preventing violence and establishing rapid-response mechanisms.

The police chief further urged politicians and their supporters to avoid acts capable of undermining the electoral process, including intimidation, arms mobilisation and other forms of electoral violence.

The three-day CARSPO 2026 conference ended with the Nigeria Police Force adopting an election-security roadmap covering the wider electoral cycle, with Disu directing senior officers to translate the resolutions into practical measures across commands and formations.

As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, the implementation of these commitments will determine how the police approach electoral security, neutrality and public protection across the country.