IGP Disu Assures Readiness for 2027 Elections

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, says the Nigeria Police Force is ready to conduct the 2027 general elections successfully.

Mr Disu spoke on Tuesday in Abuja during a visit from a delegation led by Leonardo Simao, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel.

He assured the delegation that the Nigeria Police Force is well-prepared for the elections.

“As I speak with you, we have started training our officers and updating their knowledge about the elections,” he said.

He mentioned that they have taken note of specific issues related to the 2027 elections.

“Even though the Nigeria Police Force is in charge of internal security and the elections, we know we cannot do it alone.

We can only succeed with help from our sister security agencies. We have been holding joint meetings and training sessions,” he added.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has set the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16 and the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections for February 6.

Mr Disu said the police have conducted training sessions with personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Customs, Immigration Service, and the Department of State Services in preparation for the elections.

He noted that the training also focused on including everyone in the election process, especially people living with disabilities.

According to him, officers have been trained to recognize these individuals and understand how to assist them during the elections.

“So far so good, we are not afraid. We are confident that even if the elections start tomorrow, the Nigerian Police Force is ready to do what is required,” he said.

“We are always ready, and we want to assure you that Nigerians will not be disappointed with the Nigeria Police Force during the elections.”

Earlier, the leader of the delegation highlighted that political competition often comes with strong emotions.

He noted that these emotions could lead to violence if not managed, mentioning that such violence has been common in West Africa and Israel.

“It is crucial that we take all necessary steps to ensure that elections remain a political competition and do not endanger the peace and stability of the country,” he said.

“The police have a special role in maintaining peace and stability.

So we would like you to share how you see the country preparing for the elections, especially your own role,” he added.