The Zamfara State Police Command has warned political parties, candidates and their supporters against electoral violence and other activities capable of undermining the 2027 general elections.
The Commissioner of Police, A. M. Bello, gave the warning on Tuesday during the signing of a peace accord by candidates of 22 political parties, including Governor Dauda Lawal, in the state.
The candidates pledged to promote peaceful, free, fair and credible elections before, during and after the polls.
Bello stressed the need for political parties and their supporters to maintain peace throughout the electoral process, noting that effective electoral security required adequate preparation and monitoring before, during and after the elections.
He said the command had conducted security needs assessments to guide the deployment of personnel during campaign rallies, processions and other political activities.
He also said the security arrangements would continue on election day and after the announcement of results to prevent violence and protect lives and property.
Bello urged candidates to cooperate with security agencies and avoid actions capable of provoking political tension.
He also sensitized participants on relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, particularly offences relating to campaigns, voting, collation of results and other electoral activities.
Citing Section 126 of the Act, the commissioner explained that certain activities were prohibited within polling units and 300 metres of polling units on election day.
He listed the prohibited activities to include canvassing for votes, soliciting votes, persuading voters not to support particular candidates, displaying party symbols or photographs, and wearing clothing bearing political party colours or insignia.
Bello also warned against the unauthorized use of vehicles bearing party colours or symbols, the display of election-related materials and loitering around polling units without lawful justification.
He cautioned political actors against holding public meetings during voting hours and operating megaphones, amplifiers or other public address equipment without authorisation in areas covered by the law.
The commissioner said compliance with electoral laws was essential to peaceful and credible elections.
He further warned media practitioners and social media users against announcing unofficial election results, saying such reports could cause confusion and heighten tensions.
Bello stressed that the Independent National Electoral Commission was the legally authorised body responsible for declaring election results.
He advised candidates and political parties dissatisfied with declared results to seek redress through the courts rather than resorting to violence or spreading misinformation.
The commissioner also cautioned candidates against sponsoring political thugs to attack opponents, disrupt public gatherings or engage in other unlawful activities.
He said security agencies could use technological tools to gather evidence against individuals involved in electoral violence and warned that those who issued unlawful instructions could be held accountable.
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Bello added that surveillance cameras would be deployed at polling locations to monitor activities and provide evidence where necessary.
He also warned against snatching or destroying election materials and devices, noting that Section 126 of the Electoral Act prescribes a prison term of up to two years for such offences.
On vote-buying, he cited Section 127 of the Act, which prohibits the corrupt use of money or other inducements to influence voters or persuade them to refrain from voting.
Bello urged candidates to respect voters’ rights to make independent choices without intimidation, coercion or financial inducement.
He also cautioned religious leaders against using places of worship or sermons to attack or condemn political parties and candidates, urging them instead to promote peace, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
He described elections as democratic contests that should be conducted without bloodshed and called on political stakeholders to ensure that competition did not degenerate into violence.
The commissioner urged candidates to embrace democratic principles and work towards making Zamfara a model of peaceful electoral participation.
Also speaking, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Zamfara, Mahmud Isaiah, called on political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to embrace political tolerance, unity and responsible leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.
Isaiah said credible elections depended not only on INEC but also on the conduct of political parties, candidates, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media and voters.
He emphasised the need for compliance with the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the Electoral Act and relevant INEC regulations and guidelines.
The electoral commissioner urged political parties to conduct their activities within the law and encouraged the media and civil society organisations to promote responsible reporting, fact-checking and peaceful civic participation.
He also advised candidates and parties to use lawful channels to resolve electoral grievances and disputes.
Lawal welcomes peace accord
Governor Dauda Lawal, the APC governorship candidate, expressed satisfaction with the initiative, describing it as an important step towards peaceful elections in Zamfara.
Lawal reaffirmed his commitment to peace and respect for the fundamental rights of other citizens.
He said meaningful development could not take place without peace and urged political stakeholders to support efforts to maintain law and order and promote peaceful coexistence.
The governor commended the police command for bringing political parties and candidates together to demonstrate their commitment to peaceful political competition.
Other candidates who participated in the ceremony also commended the command and pledged to abide by the peace accord.
They promised to conduct peaceful campaigns, respect electoral laws and resolve disputes through lawful means.
The signing of the accord underscores efforts by security agencies and electoral stakeholders to prevent violence and promote a peaceful democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
NAN
