Sokoto Police Warn 2027 Election Violence: CP Shafa Cautions Parties

• Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Shafa, warned political parties against violence, hate speech, and other illegal acts ahead of the 2027 elections.
• CP Shafa stated that party leaders would be held personally accountable for the conduct of their supporters, including youth wings and social media influencers.
• The police committed to strict enforcement of the Electoral Act 2022, prohibiting actions like destroying campaign materials, displaying weapons, and using private security during rallies.
• Political party representatives, including the APC (represented by Haruna Adiya), ADC (represented by Isiaka Keegan), and Labour Party (represented by Abubakar Yawale), offered diverse responses, with some pledging compliance and others raising concerns about fairness and political thuggery.
• The Commissioner also urged information sharing on threats and cautioned against endangering voters in banditry-affected areas of Sokoto State.

This directive underscores a significant shift towards holding party leadership directly responsible for the conduct of their affiliates, including youth wings and social media influencers, marking an end to previous leniency.

The Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Hassan Shafa, has issued a definitive warning to political parties and their supporters in the region, emphasizing the imperative for peaceful conduct leading up to the 2027 general elections. During a meeting held on Wednesday with chairmen and representatives of various political parties, CP Shafa explicitly cautioned against violence, hate speech, the dissemination of fake news, and any other activities deemed capable of undermining the integrity of the electoral process.

Shafa framed the upcoming elections not as a conflict to be won by force, but as a democratic contest of ideas, where the will of the electorate should ultimately prevail. He urged all political entities to embrace peaceful campaigning strategies and to collaborate closely with security agencies to ensure the delivery of credible and violence-free elections across Sokoto State. This proactive engagement by the Sokoto Police aims to set a clear tone for 2027 election violence prevention in the state.

The Commissioner outlined five critical areas for engagement with political stakeholders: promoting peaceful conduct, ensuring accountability, maintaining zero tolerance for violence and illegal activities, fostering cooperation with security agencies, and acknowledging the existing security challenges within the state. He specifically called on political leaders to abandon abusive campaigns, character assassination, and the spread of misinformation, advocating instead for a focus on manifestos and policy discussions. He stressed that the era of politics driven by insults must give way to issue-based discourse, leaving no room for hate speech or fake news.

A central component of CP Hayatu Shafa's warning was the unequivocal declaration that the Nigerian Police Force would enforce the Electoral Act 2022 without bias or hesitation. This commitment signals a robust approach to maintaining law and order during the election cycle, with clear consequences for any infractions. The Sokoto CP Hayatu Shafa warning specifically targeted actions such as the destruction of campaign posters and banners, the public display of weapons, and the unauthorized use of private security outfits during political rallies.

Significantly, CP Shafa underscored a new level of personal accountability for party leaders. He explicitly stated that they would be held directly responsible for the actions of their supporters, including youth wings and social media influencers, should these groups engage in disruptive or illegal activities. This directive underscores a significant shift towards holding party leadership directly responsible for the conduct of their affiliates, including youth wings and social media influencers, marking an end to previous leniency. He warned that any breach of the law would result in facing the full consequences, reinforcing the police's resolve to ensure strict Nigeria Electoral Act 2022 enforcement.

Beyond punitive measures, the Commissioner also appealed to political parties to actively contribute to security efforts by providing relevant information regarding emerging threats and potential flashpoints. He emphasized that ensuring security is a shared responsibility. Furthermore, he issued a stern caution against exposing voters to danger in areas affected by banditry, specifically naming Sabon Birni, Rabah, Kebbe, Tureta, and Isa axes, urging politicians to prioritize voter protection above all else.

Representatives from various political parties offered their reactions to the police commissioner's directives. Haruna Adiya, the Sokoto State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), affirmed his party's readiness to comply with all electoral laws. He stated that the APC would undertake initiatives to sensitize its supporters on the importance of peaceful conduct and adherence to legal frameworks, further indicating the party's willingness to support the police command and sign a proposed peace accord when presented.

Isiaka Keegan, a representative of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), commended the police for organizing the crucial meeting, urging both political and security leaders to act with integrity. Keegan, however, also raised concerns, alleging that some political leaders are known to sponsor youths to disrupt opponents' activities. He stressed that Sokoto State belongs to all its citizens, regardless of political affiliation, and called for fairness in the enforcement of electoral regulations, urging parties to support the commissioner's security objectives.

Abubakar Yawale, the Labour Party chairman, attributed the persistence of electoral violence to politicians, accusing certain parties of harboring political thugs. He further alleged that some politicians go as far as lobbying for the release of suspects involved in such activities. These varied responses highlight the complex landscape of political party accountability in Sokoto as the 2027 elections approach.

Lawyers advising political parties or candidates in Sokoto must counsel clients on strict compliance with the Electoral Act 2022, particularly regarding personal accountability for supporter conduct, hate speech, and social media activities, given the police's explicit warning of stringent enforcement. This includes advising on managing youth wings and influencers to mitigate liability risks.

Source: Reporting based on local press coverage.