2027: Police warn against destruction of campaign posters in Niger

The Niger State Police Command has warned politicians and their supporters against attacking party members and destroying campaign posters, banners and billboards ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The command said it had observed increasing incidents of deliberate destruction of political campaign materials and attacks on party members during campaigns across the state.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, the command condemned the incidents and warned those involved to desist.

“The police command condemns these acts of political intolerance and hereby warns members of the public, political supporters, miscreants and hoodlums engaging in these acts of criminality to immediately desist, as the Command will no longer tolerate such unlawful action,” the statement said.

noted that the destruction of campaign materials and disruption of political activities were offences under the law.

“It is important to note that destroying, defacing, damaging or unlawful removal of a candidate’s campaign poster and billboard constitutes an offence of mischief/malicious damage under the law,” it stated.

The command added that anyone who disrupted political gatherings or carried offensive weapons to rallies would also face prosecution.

The Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, was said to have directed area commanders, tactical commanders and divisional police officers to monitor political activities across the state.

“The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, mnips has directed Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders and DPOs to monitor and keenly observe political activities, parties’ billboards, posters and banners towards preventing such acts, and where it occurs, investigate and ensure that persons found culpable are arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the statement partly read.

It further warned political sponsors and individuals who encouraged the attacks that they would be held accountable.

“He further reiterates that any political sponsor or individual who recruits, encourages or facilitates these criminal acts will equally be held accountable where evidence establishes their involvement. He notes that all political parties and candidates are entitled to protection under the law,” the statement said.

The command urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and respect the rights of others.