Elections: IGP Reiterates Pledge to Equity and Unbiased Conduct
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun on Tuesday pledged unwavering dedication to equity and impartiality throughout the nation’s electoral proceedings.
Egbetokun provided this assurance upon receiving a distinguished delegation from the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC) at the IGP Smart Conference Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The delegation, helmed by Mrs. Davidetta Browne Lansanah, Chairperson of the National Elections Commission of Liberia, included esteemed electoral officials such as Dr. Bossman Asare, Deputy Chairman, Elections Commission of Ghana, Mr. Chinedu Chinedu, Senior Programme Officer, ECONEC, Prof. Bolade Eyinla, Chief Technical Adviser, INEC, along with other representatives and affiliates of the network.
The visit served as a follow-up dialogue on the execution of electoral policies preceding the General Elections.
In her address, Mrs. Lansanah expressed gratitude to the IGP for accommodating the delegation, acknowledging the pivotal role the Police play in electoral security.
She further articulated that the visit aimed to address key issues highlighted in the 2023 general elections report and devise strategies for implementing recommendations in anticipation of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.
In response, according to a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP expressed appreciation for the delegation’s visit, underscoring the vital role of the Nigeria Police Force in safeguarding the electoral process.
He further elaborated that the Force’s responsibilities in the electoral process encompass three distinct phases: pre-election duties, which include managing peaceful campaigns and conflict resolution; election day operations, ensuring adequate deployment of personnel, escorting, and safeguarding electoral materials; and post-election duties, such as maintaining law and order to prevent post-election violence, profiling electoral offenders, conducting investigations, and prosecuting offenders.
He emphasized the Force’s unwavering commitment to neutrality, equity, impartiality, professionalism, and ensuring the credibility of elections nationwide.
He reaffirmed that the Nigeria Police Force, under his leadership, remains resolute in upholding democratic values by guaranteeing free and fair elections across the nation.
He reiterated the significance of sustained collaboration between electoral commissions and security agencies, while also acknowledging the positive feedback received from international observers concerning the activities of the Police Force during recent elections.
