The Nigeria Police Force, NPF, has warned against the growing deliberate tearing, defacing and destruction of campaign posters, banners and billboards belonging to candidates and political parties across the country ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police Ani Iniedu, strongly condemned the acts as political intolerance and warned political thugs, hoodlums and other mischief-makers to desist immediately.
“For the avoidance of doubt, destroying, defacing or unlawfully removing another candidate’s campaign posters and billboards may constitute malicious damage, which is a criminal offence under applicable criminal laws, Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 326 of the Penal Code Law, which defines the offence of mischief,” the statement said.
“Political differences or loyalty to a particular party do not give anyone the right to destroy another candidate’s property or infringe on their right to campaign freely,” he said.
The Force said all political parties and candidates, irrespective of affiliation or status, are entitled to equal protection under the law.
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“No individual or group has the right to determine whose campaign materials should be displayed or destroyed,” it said.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has directed Commissioners of Police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to take proactive measures to prevent such acts, investigate reported incidents and make sure those found culpable of destroying campaign posters are arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“Political sponsors and individuals who recruit, encourage or facilitate these criminal acts will equally be held accountable where evidence establishes their involvement,” the statement noted.
The police urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to campaign peacefully and respect the rights of others, saying Nigeria’s democratic process must not be undermined by political intolerance, intimidation or criminal conduct.
The NPF said it would not allow political thugs and troublemakers to turn the nation’s political environment into a theatre of lawlessness. “Those who choose to break the law will face the full consequences of their actions,” the Force warned.
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