Nigeria Police Warn: 2027 Campaign Material Destruction Is Criminal

• The Nigeria Police Force has warned against the destruction of campaign materials ahead of the 2027 general elections.
• Police cited Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 326 of the Penal Code Law, classifying such acts as malicious damage.
• Inspector-General Olatunji Disu directed state police commissioners to investigate and prosecute offenders.
• Political sponsors and facilitators of campaign material destruction will also be held accountable.
• The police emphasized that political differences do not justify infringing on a candidate's right to campaign freely.

Beyond direct perpetrators, the Nigeria Police Force has also signaled its intent to hold accountable political sponsors and any individuals who recruit, encourage, or facilitate the destruction of campaign materials.

The Nigerian Police Force has issued a stern warning to political actors, including candidates, their supporters, and associated groups, against the destruction of campaign materials belonging to rival parties. This directive comes as the nation gears up for the 2027 general elections, with authorities noting a concerning rise in incidents involving the defacement, tearing down, and outright destruction of posters, banners, and billboards across various states. The police consider these actions a clear manifestation of political intolerance, urging immediate cessation of such activities.

The warning, communicated by ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Force Public Relations Officer, on a Wednesday preceding November 4, 2026, highlighted that such acts are not merely disruptive but constitute criminal offenses. The Police Force has observed a nationwide pattern of deliberate vandalism targeting campaign infrastructure, intensifying as political parties and candidates ramp up their preparations for the upcoming electoral cycle. This proactive stance by the Nigeria Police aims to curb lawlessness and ensure a level playing field for all participants in the democratic process.

The destruction or unauthorized removal of campaign materials is explicitly categorized as malicious damage, a criminal offense under Nigerian law. The Nigerian Police Force specifically referenced Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 326 of the Penal Code Law, both of which address the offense of mischief. These legal provisions underscore the gravity with which authorities view the deliberate damage to property, particularly when it pertains to the electoral process. The police emphasized that political affiliations or loyalties do not grant individuals the right to damage another candidate's property or impede their fundamental right to campaign freely.

In response to these escalating incidents, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has issued clear directives to Commissioners of Police across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. These directives mandate proactive preventive measures, thorough investigation of all reported incidents, and the diligent arrest and prosecution of any individuals found culpable in acts of political campaign vandalism in Nigeria. This concerted effort aims to ensure strict compliance with electoral conduct rules and deter future infractions.

Beyond direct perpetrators, the Nigeria Police Force has also signaled its intent to hold accountable political sponsors and any individuals who recruit, encourage, or facilitate the destruction of campaign materials. Should evidence establish their involvement, these sponsors will face the full force of the law, a significant move to address the root causes of such misconduct. The Police Force unequivocally stated that it would not permit political thugs and troublemakers to transform the nation's political landscape into an arena of lawlessness, asserting that those who choose to violate the law will face severe consequences for their actions.

The integrity of the 2027 general elections campaign compliance hinges on the peaceful conduct of all stakeholders. The Police have urged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to engage in respectful campaigning and uphold the rights of their opponents. This firm stance against political intolerance and intimidation is crucial to prevent the undermining of Nigeria's democratic process, ensuring that all voices can be heard without fear of reprisal or property destruction.

Lawyers advising political parties, candidates, or campaign operatives in Nigeria must inform clients of the heightened enforcement against campaign material destruction, specifically citing Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 326 of the Penal Code Law. Clients face direct criminal liability for such acts, and sponsors may also be held accountable, necessitating strict compliance with electoral conduct rules to mitigate legal exposure ahead of the 2027 elections.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH Newspapers