The Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Shafa, has warned political parties and their supporters against violence, hate speech, fake news and other acts that could undermine the 2027 general elections.
Shafa issued the warning on Wednesday at a meeting with chairmen and representatives of political parties in the state. He urged them to conduct peaceful campaigns and cooperate with security agencies to ensure credible and violence-free elections.
The commissioner said the elections should be treated as a contest of ideas rather than a battle, with voters determining the outcome.
“We are gathered here today not as rivals but as custodians of Sokoto State’s future. The elections ahead are not a war to be won by force. They are a contest of ideas to be won by the will of the people,” he said.
Shafa identified peaceful conduct, accountability, zero tolerance for violence and illegal acts, cooperation with security agencies, and awareness of the state’s security challenges as key areas of engagement. He also warned against abusive campaigns, character assassination and the spread of misinformation.
He said political leaders would be held accountable for the conduct of their supporters, including youth groups and social media influencers. He also warned against destroying campaign materials, displaying weapons at rallies and using private security outfits, stressing that the police would enforce the Electoral Act 2022.
The commissioner urged parties to share information about emerging threats and potential flashpoints with security agencies. He specifically cautioned politicians against exposing voters to danger in banditry-affected areas, including Sabon Birni, Rabah, Kebbe, Tureta and Isa.
The state APC Chairman, Haruna Adiya, said the party would comply with electoral laws and sensitise its supporters on peaceful conduct. He also said the party was ready to sign a proposed peace accord.
Representatives of the ADC, Labour Party and NDC welcomed the police initiative but raised concerns about political thuggery, enforcement of electoral regulations and alleged selective treatment of opposition campaign materials. They called for greater fairness and the involvement of other security agencies in election planning.
The NDC Secretary, Bello Labaran, who represented the party chairman, said the party would pursue its political ambitions within the law. He also called for a level playing field for all parties and urged security agencies to ensure that electoral regulations were applied fairly.
