Tinubu, Uzodimma charge police on neutrality and professionalism for 2027 poll. Leaders urge free, fair and peaceful elections at police conference.
Tinubu, Uzodimma charge police on neutrality and professionalism. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma have urged the Nigeria Police Force to remain professional and politically neutral while securing the 2027 general elections.
They spoke on Monday in Owerri at the opening of the sixth Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO 2026). The event runs from September 21 to 23 at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Convention Centre. Its theme is “Developing a Nigeria Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Elections.”
Tinubu, Uzodimma Charge Police on Neutrality and Professionalism
President Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said the police hold a central responsibility. They must protect voters, electoral officials, candidates and election materials.
He urged the Force to deploy technology, improve response times and strengthen cooperation with other security agencies. In addition, he pledged continued Federal Government support for police reforms, training, technology, welfare and operational logistics.
Tinubu, Uzodimma charge police on neutrality and professionalism so that senior officers can turn the retreat’s recommendations into practical steps. These steps should improve public confidence in the electoral process.
Tinubu, Uzodimma Charge Police on Neutrality and Professionalism Through Intelligence-Led Policing
Governor Uzodimma, who hosted the conference, called for intelligence-led policing. He also urged greater use of digital technology and better inter-agency coordination ahead of the elections.https://youtu.be/7Z_MTPl4SV8
He noted that misinformation and digital manipulation have created extra challenges for election security. Because of this, police neutrality and public trust have become even more important.
The governor advocated decentralised policing. He argued that state police could bring security closer to communities. However, he acknowledged the need for adequate funding, recruitment, training, accountability and safeguards against political abuse.
Uzodimma warned against police actions that could discourage citizens from voting. He stressed that officers must protect the electoral process without joining the political contest.
Focus on Public Confidence and Local Support
He said the credibility of elections depends largely on whether citizens can vote without fear. Therefore, the police will play a critical role in securing campaigns and rallies, protecting sensitive electoral materials and safeguarding the process.
The governor disclosed that 7,000 operatives of the Imo Vigilante Organisation have been inaugurated to work with the police, especially in intelligence gathering. Local knowledge, when combined with effective policing, can improve security outcomes.
Tinubu, Uzodimma charge police on neutrality and professionalism while highlighting the need for better information management. The rapid spread of information and misinformation has changed the security environment. Early detection of threats, clear communication and stronger coordination among agencies remain essential.
IGP Unveils Six-Point Roadmap
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu said the Force is committed to delivering free, fair, credible and peaceful elections in 2027. He unveiled a six-point roadmap focused on intelligence, training, joint command, communication, community partnership and neutrality.
Disu charged officers to remain “neutral, prepared, present and accountable” throughout the electoral cycle. He warned against vote-buying, arms mobilisation, intimidation and incitement. Offenders will be prosecuted regardless of status. He also directed the timely payment of election-duty allowances.
He noted that election security extends beyond Election Day. Political actors should campaign on issues rather than resort to thuggery. The police will work with INEC and the EFCC to tackle electoral violence, vote-buying and impunity.
In addition, the Force will deploy intelligence-led early-warning systems, rapid-response mechanisms, conflict-resolution measures and human-rights safeguards. Special attention will go to women, elderly persons and people with disabilities. The strategy also covers protection of INEC ad-hoc staff, countering election-related misinformation and stronger collaboration with civil society and the media.
Disu directed frontline officers to uphold professionalism, remain politically neutral, resist collusion with politicians and use force only as a last resort. Officers must stay firm against violence while remaining honest, accountable and accessible to the public.
Wider Support for Stronger Election Security
Other speakers, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio (represented by Senator Patrick Ndubueze), the Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs (represented by Rt. Hon. Eugene Dibiagwu) and a Police Service Commission representative (retired DIG Taiwo Lakana), called for stronger inter-agency cooperation, accountability, technology and community engagement.
The conference brought together senior police officers, service chiefs, representatives of the Army, Navy, Civil Defence and the Department of State Services, as well as National Assembly members, Imo State Deputy Governor Chinyere Ekomaru, government officials, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
Tinubu, Uzodimma charge police on neutrality and professionalism as the Force prepares practical strategies to protect voters, candidates, electoral personnel, election materials and the wider public before, during and after the 2027 elections. In the end, the focus remains on delivering credible polls that citizens can trust.
