The Plateau State Police Command has pledged to prevent electoral violence and remain neutral during the 2027 general elections.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Faniyan Ayodeji, gave the assurance on Thursday in Jos speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting with political party leaders and candidates at the Police Officers’ Mess.
Representatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigerian Army, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) attended the meeting.
Ayodeji said the meeting aimed to build consensus among political actors and security agencies. He said the goal was to ensure peaceful, credible and transparent elections.
The commissioner acknowledged concerns about Plateau State emerging as a potential flashpoint. However, he said the command had begun preparations to address security threats.
“Our duty as security agencies is to disappoint those who are expecting or predicting violence,” he said.
Ayodeji disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police had received a briefing on the state’s security situation. He added that the police chief had approved additional personnel and logistics to tackle emerging challenges.
The command is also working with other security agencies to identify flashpoints and gather intelligence on potential electoral violence.
Ayodeji listed vote-buying, thuggery, hate speech, incitement and inter- and intra-party conflicts among the major threats. He also warned against the misuse of artificial intelligence and social media during campaigns.
The commissioner promised adequate protection for political parties, candidates and voters. He said the command would deploy patrol vehicles to support rapid responses to security incidents.
He urged politicians to obey the Electoral Act and avoid treating elections as a do-or-die affair.
DSS Calls for Responsible Political Conduct
The Plateau State Director of the DSS, Paul Damian, pledged to work with other security agencies to maintain peace during the elections.
Damian said responsible conduct by politicians and INEC could reduce security risks. He argued that compliance with electoral rules would ease the pressure on security personnel.
He also assured stakeholders that he would remain neutral and ensure that officers under his supervision performed their duties professionally.
NOA Warns Against Vote-Buying, Fake News
The State Director of the NOA, Kaneng Tabitha Pam-Hworo, urged political parties to encourage their members to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
She warned politicians against vote-buying and urged voters to protect their right to choose their preferred candidates.
Pam-Hworo also cautioned party leaders against spreading fake news, attacking opponents’ reputations or provoking violence.
She noted that violence at polling units could lead to the cancellation of results. She therefore urged political parties to control their supporters and accept the election outcome in good faith.
The NOA director stressed the need to preserve the relative peace in Plateau State throughout the election period.
INEC Promises Inclusive Elections
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Plateau State, Professor Sam Egwu, represented by the Head of Electoral Operations, said INEC was preparing to deliver peaceful, free and transparent elections.
He said the commission was also developing measures to ensure that persons with disabilities and internally displaced persons (IDPs) could participate in the polls.
The INEC representative identified Wase, Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Bassa among the local government areas facing IDP-related challenges.
He urged stakeholders to provide information about displaced persons in other areas to help the commission improve its preparations.
The meeting served as a feedback platform for political parties, electoral officials and security agencies to strengthen coordination ahead of the 2027 general elections.
