The police have warned politicians and their supporters to stop tearing down or damaging posters belonging to rival candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Nigeria Police Force has told politicians, their supporters, and political thugs to stop damaging the campaign posters and billboards of their opponents. NigeriaWater Storage
It says anyone found doing so will be arrested and prosecuted.
The warning follows reports that campaign materials have been torn down or defaced in some states as parties gear up for the 2027 elections.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Force Public Relations Officer CSP Ani Iniedu called the acts political intolerance and urged those involved to stop at once.
He said the police have seen a growing number of cases of campaign materials being deliberately torn, defaced or destroyed across the country.
The police said destroying or taking down another candidate’s campaign materials can count as malicious damage, which is a crime.
The statement cited Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 326 of the Penal Code Law, which deal with mischief.
The force stressed that party loyalty or political disagreement gives no one the right to damage another candidate’s property or stop them from campaigning freely.
All parties and candidates, whatever their affiliation or status, are entitled to equal protection under the law.
Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu has ordered commissioners in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to take preventive steps, investigate reported cases and make sure those responsible are arrested and charged.
The police also warned that sponsors who recruit or pay people to destroy campaign materials will be held accountable if evidence links them to the acts.
The force urged parties, candidates and supporters to campaign peacefully and respect other people’s rights.