2027: Tinubu Warns Police Against Political Partisanship

President Bola Tinubu has warned the Nigeria Police Force against allowing itself to be used for partisan political interests ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Tinubu urged police officers to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, neutrality and impartiality while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.

The President gave the warning at the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers held in Owerri, Imo State. His address was delivered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the SGF on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, Tinubu said every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, social status or location, should feel protected by the police.

He stressed that the neutrality and professionalism of the Police Force were essential to maintaining public confidence and strengthening the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic system.

“The police must be seen not as an instrument of any political interest, but as a national institution serving the Nigerian people and protecting the constitutional order,” the President said.

Speaking on the theme of the conference, “Developing a Nigeria Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Elections,” Tinubu said the 2027 elections would require extensive preparation, intelligence-led operations, professionalism, impartiality and effective coordination among security agencies and electoral stakeholders.

He assured the police that the Federal Government would provide the necessary support to enable the Force effectively carry out its responsibilities during the electoral process.

According to him, election security goes beyond protecting polling units and electoral materials.

It also involves protecting voters and electoral officials, ensuring peaceful campaigns, preventing violence and intimidation, and creating an environment where citizens can participate in the democratic process without fear.

Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to police reform, noting that meaningful reform would require sustained investment in personnel, training, technology, intelligence gathering, operational equipment, welfare and institutional structures.

The President urged the Police Force to improve intelligence gathering, strengthen response capabilities, deepen community engagement, embrace modern technology and enhance cooperation with other security agencies in tackling increasingly sophisticated security threats.

Tinubu commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Police Management Team for their efforts to reposition the Force and respond to emerging security challenges.

He also acknowledged the sacrifices made by police officers confronting kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes across the country, including officers who had lost their lives in the line of duty.

However, the President reminded the Force that Nigerians continued to have high expectations regarding their safety and security.

He therefore urged police personnel to continue working to strengthen public confidence through discipline, accountability, professionalism and respect for the rights and dignity of citizens.

Tinubu tasked senior police officers attending the retreat with developing a practical and implementable roadmap for improving election security, strengthening operational preparedness and deepening public trust ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said the roadmap should also look beyond the 2027 elections towards building a modern, professional, technology-driven, intelligence-led and citizen-centred Nigeria Police Force.

The President assured officers and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force that the Federal Government recognised their sacrifices and remained committed to supporting them.

He, however, stressed that government support must be matched by courage, integrity, discipline and professionalism in the discharge of their constitutional duties.

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