2027: Jigawa CP urges mutual respect, tolerance, adherence
The Commissioner of Police (CP) in Jigawa, Mr Tijjani Murtala, has urged political actors in the state to ensure mutually respect, tolerance and adherence to the provisions of law during their campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Murtala made the call during a strategic meeting with political leaders and critical stakeholders in the state in Dutse.
He explained that the meeting was part of the command’s proactive approach towards ensuring peaceful, credible and violence-free political activities, including campaigns and elections.
Those who attended the meeting included representive of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Chairmen of all registered political parties, party executives, including Accord Party (AP), All Progressive Congress (APC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and Young Progressives Party (YPP), among others.
The CP assured that the Police remains committed to providing a secure environment in which all political parties, candidates, supporters, electoral officials, observers and members of the public can freely participate in the electoral process without fear, intimidation, harassment, or violence.
Murtala further called on political leaders to caution their supporters against acts capable of undermining peace and public order, including hate speech, inflammatory statements, misuse of social media, vote buying, ballot-box snatching, thuggery, intimidation, destruction of campaign materials, carrying of weapons and other forms of electoral malpractice or violence.
While reiterating the command’s commitment to professionalism, impartiality, intelligence-led policing, community engagement and strict enforcement of relevant laws, the CP assured all stakeholders that the police will provide a level playing field and maintain law and order before, during, and after the electoral processes.
INEC’s Administrative Secretary, Mr Ibrahim Idris, highlighted the responsibilities of political parties and other stakeholders in ensuring that the electoral process is conducted peacefully and in accordance with established laws, rules and guidelines.
During interactive session, chairmen of the various political parties were given the opportunity to make meaningful contributions, comments, observations and recommendations concerning the forthcoming electioneering activities, where they expressed their views on issues relating to peaceful campaigns, security, political tolerance, stakeholder cooperation and the need for all parties to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the electoral process.
Responding, the CP welcomed the constructive contributions from the party chairmen, assured them that their observations would be given due consideration within the scope of the police mandate.
The meeting ended with signing of the Peace Accord, during which the participating political parties and relevant stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful political engagement, respect for democratic values, compliance with electoral laws, and the rejection of violence before, during and after the elections.
“The command considers the Peace Accord as a significant demonstration of collective commitment by political actors and stakeholders towards preserving the peace and security for which Jigawa state is known.
“The command therefore called on the people of the state to remain peaceful, law-abiding and vigilant as adequate security measures will be put in place to safeguard lives and property in order to ensure peaceful conduct of all the forthcoming electioneering and electoral activities.
“We urge all political parties and their supporters to see the forthcoming electoral process as a contest of ideas rather than a conflict and to place the peace, unity and development of Jigawa state above partisan interests,” the CP said.
