INEC, Police, Judiciary Promise Neutrality In Kebbi Ahead 2027

As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the Judiciary in Kebbi State have pledged to remain neutral, uphold the rule of law and ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates.

The commitment was made in Birnin Kebbi at a stakeholders’ engagement organised by the Kebbi State Police Command ahead of the commencement of electioneering activities for the governorship and State House of Assembly elections.

The engagement brought together political parties, candidates, security agencies, members of the Judiciary, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, the media and the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC.

The meeting came against the backdrop of growing political activities across the state and renewed concerns over the potential for intimidation, hate speech, political thuggery and misinformation as parties begin their campaigns.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Mohammed Hadejia, said the Command would treat all political actors equally, insisting that the police would not take sides in the contest.

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He assured political parties and voters that the Police would provide security for campaigns, rallies and other political activities, while taking firm action against anyone who violates the law.

CP Hadejia said Kebbi’s geographical location, sharing international boundaries with Niger and Benin Republics and borders with Sokoto, Zamfara and Niger States, required heightened security during the electioneering period.

He identified Arewa, Augie, Dandi, Bagudo, Shanga, Danko/Wasagu and Sakaba as some of the border and vulnerable areas where security agencies would maintain increased vigilance.

The Commissioner said the Command had developed contingency plans and early deployment arrangements across all 21 Local Government Areas to prevent violence and guarantee the safety of voters, candidates and other participants.

Political parties and candidates were directed to notify the Police at least 48 hours before rallies, campaigns and other major activities, including their routes, venues and schedules, to enable effective security coordination.

The Police boss also warned against hate speech, ethnic and religious incitement, fake news, digital thuggery, vote buying, destruction of campaign materials, voter intimidation and the use of political thugs.

He said offenders would be investigated and prosecuted irrespective of their political affiliation or status.

The position of the Police comes as the Command has intensified its youth-focused campaign against political and digital thuggery, urging young people not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of political violence. The campaign, tagged “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery,” has taken sensitisation messages to communities and youth groups across the state.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Kebbi State, Abubakar S/Fawa Dambo, presented the electoral timetable and guidelines, reminding political parties and candidates that compliance with the Electoral Act remains essential to credible elections.

He urged parties to adhere strictly to nomination procedures, campaign regulations and spending limits, warning that the success of the electoral process would depend largely on the conduct of political parties, candidates, security agencies and voters.

The Judiciary also assured stakeholders of its readiness to discharge its constitutional responsibilities in electoral disputes.

Representing the Chief Judge of Kebbi State, Justice Umar Abubakar, Justice Muhammad Nuradeen said the courts would remain available to determine pre-election disputes, protect fundamental rights and deal with criminal matters arising from electoral activities.

He urged political parties to resolve internal disputes early and advised candidates and their supporters to avoid actions that could create unnecessary tension.

The Department of State Services, DSS, also briefed participants on possible security threats during the campaign period and provided security guidelines for political parties and candidates.

Similarly, the National Orientation Agency, NOA, called for issue-based campaigns and greater voter participation, warning political actors against campaigns capable of dividing the people along ethnic, religious or political lines.

The agency urged stakeholders to take the message of peaceful participation to the grassroots, stressing that political competition should not threaten the peace and unity of the state.

The engagement is coming at a critical period for Kebbi, where political activities are expected to intensify as parties mobilise supporters for the 2027 elections.

Recent concerns raised by opposition actors over alleged political intimidation have further underscored the importance of the security agencies’ pledge to neutrality and enforcement of electoral laws. The African Democratic Congress, ADC, recently called for investigation into allegations of threats against voters in Gwandu, urging security agencies to protect citizens’ freedom to vote without intimidation.

Against this backdrop, stakeholders at the Birnin Kebbi meeting agreed that preserving peace must take precedence over partisan interests.

CP Hadejia reaffirmed that the ultimate objective of the Command was to create an environment where every eligible voter could participate freely and safely, regardless of political affiliation.

He appealed to political parties and their supporters to conduct issue-based campaigns, respect opposing views and avoid violence, stressing that political differences should not be allowed to undermine the peace of Kebbi State.

With the commencement of electioneering activities approaching, the stakeholders’ declaration places the responsibility on political parties, candidates, security agencies, the media and voters to ensure that the contest remains peaceful, lawful and centred on issues that matter to the people.