2027: Tinubu Warns Police Against Partisanship Ahead of Elections

President Urges Officers to Remain Professional, Impartial and Protect All Nigerians
President Bola Tinubu has warned the Nigeria Police Force against allowing itself to be used to serve political interests ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging officers to maintain professionalism and impartiality in the discharge of their duties. �
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Tinubu gave the warning on Monday at the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO 2026) in Owerri, Imo State. His address was delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
The three-day conference, which runs from September 21 to 23, is themed “Developing a Nigeria Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Elections.” The Nigeria Police Force said the conference is focused on developing practical strategies for election security ahead of the 2027 polls. �

The President said every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, social status or geographical location, should feel protected by the Police.
He stressed that the neutrality and professionalism of the Force are important to public confidence and the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process.
“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 securing the 2027 elections would require careful preparation, professionalism, impartiality, intelligence-led policing and effective coordination among security and electoral stakeholders.
He explained that election security goes beyond protecting polling units and electoral materials. It also involves protecting citizens and electoral officials, ensuring peaceful campaigns, preventing violence and intimidation, and enabling Nigerians to participate in the democratic process without fear.
Tinubu Reaffirms Police Reform Commitment

The President also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ongoing police reforms.
He said meaningful reform requires sustained investment in personnel, training, technology, intelligence infrastructure, operational logistics, welfare and institutional systems.
Tinubu urged the Police Force to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve response times, deepen community engagement, embrace technology and enhance cooperation with other security agencies.
He also commended Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu and the Police Management Team for their efforts to reposition the Force and respond to emerging security challenges.
The President acknowledged the sacrifices of police officers confronting kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes across the country, including officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
The conference comes as the Police intensifies preparations for the 2027 electoral cycle. IGP Disu separately warned politicians and their supporters against vote-buying, political thuggery, arms movement and intimidation of voters or electoral officials. He also said the Police would work with INEC, EFCC and ICPC to investigate electoral offences and ensure that offenders face prosecution.