The Plateau State Police Command has pledged to prevent electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, assuring residents that security agencies are taking proactive steps to frustrate attempts to disrupt the process.
The assurance was given on Thursday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Police Officers’ Mess in Jos. The meeting brought together representatives of the Department of State Services, the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Nigerian Army, the National Orientation Agencyand the Inter-Party Advisory Council to discuss strategies for ensuring peaceful and credible elections.
Welcoming participants, the Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, Faniyan Ayodeji, said the meeting was designed to foster cooperation among political stakeholders and security agencies in preparation for an electoral process that would be peaceful, credible and transparent. He acknowledged concerns over the possibility of violence in the state but maintained that security agencies were already working to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
“We have observed some flashpoints in terms of insecurity, and as the election period approaches, a lot of attention and focus is being directed toward Plateau State. Our duty as security agencies is to disappoint those who are expecting or predicting violence,” he said.
Ayodeji disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police had received a briefing on the security situation in Plateau State and approved additional personnel and logistical support to strengthen the Command’s capacity to address potential threats.
He explained that the police were working closely with other security agencies to identify locations vulnerable to electoral violence, assess emerging security risks and develop strategies to address criminal activities that could arise during campaigns and other election-related engagements.
“We are already making preparations — highlighting potential threats in terms of election-related violence and other associated criminality that can be triggered by election activities. We are willing and ready to collaborate with all political parties and aspirants. We will make adequate security plans and provide adequate security protection for all,” he said.
The police commissioner identified vote-buying, political thuggery, hate speech, incitement, conflicts within and between political parties, and the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and social media as potential threats requiring close monitoring before and during the elections.
He said security agencies would pay particular attention to campaign messages and political activities capable of provoking hostility, intimidation or violence among supporters of competing parties.
“Some of the challenges we are discussing include the conduct and content of campaigns, especially issues that have the potential to trigger violence, intimidation, or incitement to violence. We are going to talk about vote-buying, thuggery, hate speech, and of course, the role of AI as it affects elections,” he said.
Ayodeji urged politicians and their supporters to comply with the Electoral Act, stressing that electoral contests should not become a source of division or confrontation. He encouraged political parties to focus on persuading voters through peaceful campaigns and allow the electorate to determine the outcome at the ballot box.
“Election is not a do-or-die affair. Election should not ignite violence. Election should not divide us. Every party has ample opportunity to talk to the people and canvass for votes as much as possible, and then we all wait for voting day and let the people make their choice,” he said.
Reaffirming the impartiality of the police, the commissioner said the Force would work with other security agencies to ensure that all political parties and candidates received equal protection throughout the electoral process.
“I want to assure you that the Nigeria Police, as the lead agency in internal security, in collaboration with all other agencies, will guarantee neutrality. We shall be neutral. We have no choice. We have demonstrated this severally in other places. You saw our performance during the recent off-cycle elections in the western states. The Inspector General of Police has issued directives that we must perform even higher than before.”
He added that the Command had adequate personnel to secure polling units across the state, with patrol vehicles to support rapid responses to emergencies. He also said intelligence operations were being strengthened to identify and track individuals seeking to exploit political tensions for criminal purposes.
The Plateau State Director of the Department of State Services, Paul Damian, also pledged cooperation with other security agencies to maintain peace and protect the electoral process.
“We will work in synergy with other sister agencies to provide adequate security during the election,” he said.
Damian argued that the conduct of political parties and electoral officials would play a significant role in determining the level of security required during the polls. He maintained that adherence to electoral rules and responsible political behaviour could reduce the need for extensive security deployment across every location.
“Some people have made comments whether the police or the security agents have enough manpower to cover all the places. I was just thinking about it and I came to the conclusion that if INEC and the politicians will conduct themselves and do what is expected of them, you don’t need security agents in all places,” he said.
He assured stakeholders that the DSS would discharge its responsibilities professionally and impartially, adding that he would ensure personnel under his supervision performed their duties as required.
“On our part, we will do our best to ensure adequate security and personally, I will be neutral and I won’t say more than that. And I will make sure that anybody working under me does their job as expected.”
The State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Kaneng Tabitha Pam-Hworo, called on political parties to encourage their members to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate in the election without resorting to vote-buying or coercion.
She stressed that possession of a PVC was essential for eligible citizens to exercise their voting rights and urged prospective voters to prepare ahead of election day rather than attempt to influence the process through financial inducements.
“Are you ready for this election? Are you ready? Do you have your PVC ready? Your PVC must be ready, so that during the election, you will not resort to vote-buying or compelling people to sell their votes,” she said.
“If on election day you do not have your PVC, please remain at home.”
Pam-Hworo reminded political contestants that only one governorship position would be available in the state, noting that the competitive nature of elections required candidates and their supporters to accept the eventual outcome peacefully.
“In every election, there is a winner and there is a loser. For the governorship of this state, only one seat is available. Only one person will win. Even after the elections, it is very important that we maintain peace,” she said.
She further appealed to party leaders, particularly those operating under IPAC, to restrain their supporters from engaging in violence at polling stations. According to her, disruptions that compromise the integrity of voting could result in the cancellation of affected results and undermine the efforts of voters.
“To all political parties, especially IPAC — please talk to your members. When there is friction or fighting in any polling unit, you know what happens: the result will be cancelled. Do not let people’s efforts be cancelled and wasted on election day. Do not hire people to cause trouble because you are not winning.”
The NOA director also warned political actors against spreading misinformation, circulating fake news and engaging in character assassination to gain public attention or political advantage. She urged stakeholders to protect the relative peace in Plateau State by promoting responsible communication and maintaining personal integrity.
“Do not create trouble where there is none. We are tired of running helter-skelter. We are currently enjoying some peace in the state, and we must sustain it. Do not engage in misrepresentation, fake news, and character assassination just to gain political relevance. As mature men and women gathered here, I urge us to maintain our personal integrity.”
Representing the Plateau State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Professor Sam Egwu, the Head of Electoral Operations said INEC was making progress towards delivering a peaceful, free and transparent election.
He explained that the commission had sent him to obtain feedback from stakeholders on issues discussed at an earlier meeting held three days before the gathering.
“I speak on behalf of the State Resident Electoral Commissioner. He has asked me to come and confirm from you whether you have reflected on what we discussed three days ago,” he said.
The INEC representative assured participants that preparations for the election were nearing completion at the state level and that the commission remained committed to conducting a credible electoral exercise.
“On our part, I want to assure you that INEC is ready and prepared. Preparation at the state level is almost complete. We are prepared to give you a peaceful, free, and transparent election.”
He also announced that INEC was developing arrangements to ensure that Persons Living with Disabilities and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) would not be excluded from participating in the election.
“The commissioner has also asked me to inform you that this election will be inclusive — meaning all sectors of society will have the opportunity to vote. Whether persons are living with disabilities or are internally displaced, there will be an opportunity for them to vote.”
According to him, the commission had identified between eight and nine local government areas facing IDP-related challenges, including Wase, Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Bassa, as part of its preparations for inclusive voting.
He urged stakeholders to provide information about displaced communities outside the local government areas already identified, explaining that the commission was working with organisations at the national level to facilitate voting arrangements for displaced persons.
“We discussed this matter in detail three days ago. If you have any findings or information regarding IDPs outside those nine Local Governments we identified, please let us know. As we speak, the Commission at the national level is working with some organizations to ensure that IDPs will vote.”
The INEC representative described the stakeholders’ meeting as an opportunity to obtain feedback, address outstanding concerns and strengthen preparations for an electoral process that would allow eligible voters to participate without fear or intimidation.
