Akwa Ibom Police: Issues Strong 2027 Electoral Violence Warning

• Akwa Ibom Police Commissioner Baba Azare warned against electoral violence and affirmed police neutrality for the 2027 general elections.
• The warning was issued during a seminar organized by the police, DSS, and Akwa Ibom State Government focused on promoting peaceful elections.
• Specific prohibitions include electoral thuggery, hate speech, intimidation, and the use of dangerous weapons.
• Governor Umo Eno, through his deputy, emphasized that no political ambition is worth a citizen's life or the state's peace, urging against youth manipulation.
• Stakeholders, including traditional rulers, were called upon to collaborate in ensuring credible and violence-free elections in Akwa Ibom.

Ballots, not bullets, must determine leadership; ideas, not intimidation, must win the support of the people; and peace must remain the ultimate victory for Akwa Ibom State.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has issued a strong warning against electoral violence, thuggery, and other disruptive acts in anticipation of the 2027 general elections. Commissioner of Police (CP) Baba Azare publicly affirmed the force's commitment to maintaining neutrality, professionalism, and impartiality throughout the electoral cycle, emphasizing that their allegiance lies solely with the Nigerian Constitution and the welfare of the populace. This crucial declaration was made during the launch of a two-day seminar in Uyo, an event collaboratively organized by the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and the Akwa Ibom State Government, under the theme "Promoting Peaceful, Free, Fair and Credible Elections in Akwa Ibom State."

CP Azare specifically cautioned political parties and their supporters against engaging in a range of illicit activities. These include electoral thuggery, the dissemination of hate speech, intimidation tactics, the destruction of campaign materials, the illegal possession of dangerous weapons, the disruption of political gatherings, and any form of assault on electoral officials. He underscored that genuine political competition should revolve around the exchange of ideas and the democratic selection of leaders, rather than resorting to violence or bloodshed. The Commissioner stressed that achieving credible elections is a shared responsibility, requiring active participation not only from security agencies but also from all relevant stakeholders and community leaders.

Echoing the police's stance, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, represented by his deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, also addressed the seminar, expressing confidence that the 2027 general elections would be both peaceful and credible. The Governor proudly characterized Akwa Ibom as "a peaceful home" and issued a pointed warning against the recruitment and manipulation of young people for political violence. He advocated for providing youths with education, skills, employment, and opportunities, rather than arming them to attack political opponents and subsequently abandoning them once elections conclude.

Governor Eno further declared that no electoral ambition justifies the loss of any citizen's life or the destruction of the state's hard-won peace and unity. He urged political actors to prevent disagreements from escalating into animosity among neighbors, reminding them that political parties are merely vehicles for achieving objectives, and regardless of election outcomes, Akwa Ibom remains the common dwelling for all its inhabitants. The Governor also tasked political leaders, security agencies, the media, traditional and religious institutions, and civil society organizations with safeguarding the state's tranquility, specifically cautioning against inflammatory speeches, fake news, and unverified social media reports that could incite violence.

To foster a truly violence-free electoral environment, CP Baba Azare called for enhanced cooperation among a broad spectrum of entities. This collaborative framework includes the police, sister agencies like the Department of State Services, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, traditional and religious institutions, civil society groups, the media, youth representatives, and the general public. This comprehensive approach underscores the belief that collective effort is paramount for successful 2027 Nigeria election violence prevention.

Reinforcing the overarching message of peaceful conduct, Governor Eno articulated a powerful vision for democratic engagement: "Ballots, not bullets, must determine leadership; ideas, not intimidation, must win the support of the people; and peace must remain the ultimate victory for Akwa Ibom State." Adding to this chorus, His Royal Majesty Edidem Sylvanus Okon, the Paramount Ruler of Uyo Local Government Area, speaking on behalf of traditional and community leaders, implored all stakeholders to carry the seminar's message back to their respective communities. He emphasized the importance of preserving Akwa Ibom's reputation as a peaceful state and offered prayers for the protection of police officers and other security personnel, while also urging them to uphold their neutrality during the 2027 polls and deepen their commitment to ensuring peaceful elections.

This article signals the Nigerian Police Force's intent to strictly enforce electoral laws and maintain neutrality in Akwa Ibom for the 2027 general elections. Lawyers advising political parties, candidates, or their supporters should counsel clients on strict compliance with prohibitions against electoral violence, hate speech, and intimidation to mitigate legal risks and potential prosecution.

Source: Original reporting via local Akwa Ibom news outlets.