Police Order Arrest of Those Destroying Campaign Posters Ahead of 2027 Elections

By Adebola Muili

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has directed Commissioners of Police across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to prevent the destruction of political campaign posters, banners and billboards, warning that anyone caught engaging in the act will be arrested and prosecuted.

The directive followed growing incidents of deliberate tearing, defacement and destruction of campaign materials belonging to political candidates and parties across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Nigeria Police Force said the development was a manifestation of political intolerance, warning politicians, political thugs, hoodlums and other individuals involved in such acts to desist or face the consequences of their actions.

This was contained in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, who said the police would not tolerate any attempt to intimidate political opponents or prevent them from freely exercising their right to campaign.

The Force explained that destroying, defacing or unlawfully removing campaign materials belonging to another candidate could constitute malicious damage, which is a criminal offence under applicable laws, including Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 326 of the Penal Code Law, which addresses the offence of mischief.

It stressed that political differences, party affiliation or loyalty to a particular candidate did not confer on anyone the right to destroy another person’s property or interfere with the political activities of rival candidates.

According to the statement, all political parties and candidates, irrespective of their affiliations or status, are entitled to equal protection under the law, adding that no individual or group has the authority to determine whose campaign posters or billboards should be displayed or destroyed.

To address the situation, the IGP directed Commissioners of Police in the 36 states and the FCT to take proactive steps to prevent further incidents, investigate reported cases and ensure that those found responsible are brought to justice.

The police also extended the warning to individuals and political sponsors who might be behind the destruction of campaign materials, saying those who recruit, encourage or facilitate such criminal acts would equally be held accountable where evidence establishes their involvement.

The Force called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to ensure that their campaigns were conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law, while respecting the rights of other contestants to publicise their programmes and seek the support of voters.

It warned that the nation’s democratic process must not be undermined by political intolerance, intimidation or criminal conduct, particularly as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reiterating its resolve to maintain law and order throughout the political process, the police said it would not allow political thugs and troublemakers to turn the country’s political environment into a theatre of lawlessness.

The Force cautioned those involved in the destruction of campaign materials to respect the law, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the full consequences of their actions.