NIGERIA: Disu Pledges Police Neutrality Ahead Of 2027 Elections

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Wednesday assured Nigerians of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to neutrality, professionalism, and strict adherence to the rule of law ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Disu gave the assurance in Abuja during his inaugural conference with strategic police managers following his assumption of office.

Addressing senior officers at the meeting, the IGP said the credibility of the forthcoming elections and the stability of Nigeria’s democracy would depend largely on the conduct of the police as the lead agency responsible for election security.

He said:“As we approach the 2027 general elections, our responsibility to the nation becomes both heightened and non-negotiable. The police must be firm in enforcing the law, impartial in its decisions, professional in its conduct, and strictly neutral in all electoral engagements.”

The police chief stated that the Force would secure the electoral process before, during and after the polls, protect democratic institutions, electoral officials, voters, and critical national infrastructure, while ensuring citizens exercise their civic rights without fear or intimidation.

Disu warned officers against partisanship, misconduct, and abuse of authority, stressing that violations of electoral laws would attract severe sanctions.

“Let me state without ambiguity: there will be zero tolerance for partisanship, misconduct, or abuse of authority. Any officer found to have compromised neutrality, violated electoral laws, or acted outside approved rules of engagement will face swift and decisive disciplinary action, including prosecution where applicable. There will be no exceptions and no excuses.”

He further noted that crowd control and public order management during the elections would be conducted in line with human rights standards, adding that the use of force, where unavoidable, must be lawful, proportionate, and accountable.

While pledging collaboration with the Armed Forces and other security and intelligence agencies, Disu maintained that the Nigeria Police Force would retain leadership responsibility in election security operations.

Beyond election preparations, the IGP reiterated his commitment to internal reforms aimed at restoring public trust in the police, condemning corruption, extortion, unlawful arrests, and abuse of power.

According to him, the Force Provost, Complaints Response Unit, and X-Squad would be strengthened to independently investigate cases of misconduct and unprofessional conduct within the Force.

“No officer is abo

ve the law,” Disu added.