The Nigeria Police Force has warned politicians, political supporters, thugs and other individuals involved in the destruction of campaign posters, banners and billboards to immediately stop the practice or risk prosecution.
The warning comes amid growing complaints from political parties and candidates over the alleged destruction of their campaign materials by individuals suspected of being sponsored by political opponents.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu, said anyone found violating the law would face the full consequences of their actions.
The police expressed concern over increasing cases of campaign materials belonging to political parties and candidates being torn down, defaced or deliberately destroyed ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Force described the actions as political intolerance and warned those involved to desist immediately.
It explained that unlawfully destroying or removing another candidate’s campaign materials could constitute malicious damage, a criminal offence under Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 326 of the Penal Code Law, which addresses the offence of mischief.
The police maintained that political loyalty or disagreements over party affiliations did not give individuals the right to damage another candidate’s property or prevent them from campaigning freely.
It also emphasised that all political parties and candidates, regardless of their political status or affiliation, were entitled to equal protection under the law.
According to the Force, no individual or group has the authority to decide which candidate’s campaign materials should be displayed or removed.
IGP directs commissioners of police to act
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has directed commissioners of police across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to take proactive steps to prevent further incidents.
The directive also includes investigating reported cases and ensuring that individuals found responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
The police further warned that political sponsors and other individuals who recruit, encourage or support those involved in the destruction of campaign materials would also be held accountable where evidence establishes their involvement.
The Force urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to carry out their campaigns peacefully and respect the rights of other participants in the democratic process.
It warned that political intolerance, intimidation and criminal activities would not be allowed to undermine Nigeria’s democratic environment.
The police also declared that they would not allow political thugs and troublemakers to turn the country’s political activities into an atmosphere of lawlessness.
Several states record destruction of campaign materials
The police warning follows a series of reported incidents involving the destruction of campaign materials in different parts of the country.
In Ekpoma, Edo State, a viral video showed some youths tearing down a mini-billboard featuring the presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
In Kano State, youths were also reportedly seen removing and destroying campaign billboards belonging to President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Similar incidents were reported in Numan and Nassarawo Demsa areas of Adamawa State, where campaign posters and banners belonging to local aspirants were allegedly vandalised.
The NDC also raised concerns over the destruction of its campaign banners in Onicha-Uku and Aniocha North areas of Delta State, warning against further acts of provocation.
Tension was also reported in Rivers State following the destruction of a campaign billboard belonging to the NDC’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Police prevent possible clash between Obi-Kwankwaso and APC supporters in Calabar
Meanwhile, security operatives in Calabar, Cross River State, prevented a possible violent confrontation between supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso and members of the All Progressives Congress.
The incident occurred around a hotel along Murtala Mohammed Highway, close to the U.J. Esuene Stadium, where the Nigeria Democratic Congress had scheduled a meeting involving its presidential candidate, Obi, and his running mate, Kwankwaso.
Reports indicated that APC supporters had also gathered in large numbers for a street rally in the same area, creating the possibility of a confrontation between the two groups.
Hundreds of Obi-Kwankwaso supporters reportedly blocked the highway in an apparent attempt to prevent the APC supporters from accessing the area.
However, police officers and other security personnel intervened, separating the groups and redirecting the APC supporters away from the meeting venue.
Management of the hotel subsequently restricted access to its premises as security operatives maintained order around the facility.
An unnamed police officer described the intervention as necessary to prevent violence, saying the situation could have resulted in bloodshed without the security response.
Cross River Police confirm intervention
Confirming the development in a WhatsApp message to Vanguard, the Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the command’s timely intervention and engagement with the groups prevented a possible breakdown of law and order.
He explained that officers intervened when participants attending the NDC presidential town hall meeting converged with APC supporters who were conducting a rally and road walk towards the Governor’s Office.
According to the police spokesperson, officers engaged members of both groups and appealed to them to remain calm, maintain peace and ensure their respective activities complied with the law.
As of the time the report was filed, officials from both political camps had yet to issue formal comments on the incident.
However, some senior APC officials were seen leaving the area around the NDC meeting, while Obi and Kwankwaso had not arrived at the venue.
Party officials and supporters were still gathered around the hotel premises and its frontage.
Source: VANGUARD
