2027: Police warn parties against hate speech, violence in Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Command has warned political parties against abusive language, hate speech and political violence, urging them to adopt issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The command also assured political parties of adequate and impartial security during the electioneering period.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement made available to Punch on Friday.

Habib said the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Abdulmajid Isah, gave the warning during a meeting with political party leaders at the police headquarters in Bauchi

The commissioner urged the parties to prioritise peace and promote their policies rather than engage in personal attacks.

“Politics is a contest of ideas. Bauchi State is bigger than any election, and we must all work to keep the peace,” the CP was quoted as saying.

The statement said the meeting was attended by 12 representatives of 10 registered political parties in the state.

The commissioner urged party leaders to promote their policies and manifestos rather than attack political opponents.

He also cautioned them against using abusive language against opponents, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, traditional institutions and security agencies.

The police boss further warned political parties against blocking roads, disrupting opponents’ rallies and violating approved venues, time limits and sound restrictions during campaign activities.

He said political parties must also desist from taking arms, dangerous weapons and illicit drugs to political gatherings, as well as mobilising thugs, Sara-Suka groups and vigilantes.

Habib added that the command had warned political parties that their online activities would be monitored by its Cybercrime Unit.

“The command also reminded political parties that cyberspace is being monitored. Its Cybercrime Unit will monitor online campaigns, and parties will be held responsible for the actions of their agents, supporters and media handlers,” the statement said.

According to the statement, the commissioner highlighted relevant provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the Cybercrimes Act, which prescribe sanctions for offences including political thuggery, violence, destruction of campaign materials, hate speech, incitement, cyberbullying, stalking and the deliberate spread of false information.

In their responses, the party representatives commended the police for the engagement and called for equal and fair treatment of all political parties.

They also urged the command to caution political parties against indiscriminately placing posters, banners and billboards in public spaces.

The representatives expressed concern over campaign materials obstructing traffic at roundabouts and junctions across the state, warning that the practice could cause road accidents.

The statement said the command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a level playing field for all political parties.

The police also urged the parties to appoint peace and compliance officers to liaise with divisional police officers and area commanders and prepare to sign the Bauchi State Peace Accord before the commencement of full campaigns.

The commissioner further urged political leaders to call their supporters to order and use their platforms to promote peace, tolerance and unity in the state.