POLICE CHARGE POLITICAL PARTIES ON PEACEFUL, ISSUE-BASED CAMPAIGNS AHEAD OF 2027 IN BAUCHI
By Editor
The police command in Bauchi State has charged political parties in the state to conduct their campaigns peacefully and within the ambit of the law.
The state Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, stated this at a meeting with leaders of political parties in Bauchi.
SP Nafiu Habib, the state Police Public Relations Officer stated in a statement on Saturday in Bauchi that the CP said the Command would ensure adequate and impartial security for all parties during the electioneering period.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, who was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations, DCP Abdulmajid Isah at a meeting with leaders of political parties, said the Command will ensure adequate and impartial security for all parties during the electioneering period.
“Politics is a contest of ideas. Bauchi State is bigger than any election, and we must all work to keep the peace,” he quoted the CP as saying.
The meeting, which was held at the Police Headquarters in Bauchi, was attended by twelve leaders representing ten, out of the registered political parties in the state.
The CP urged the party leaders to market their policies and manifestos rather than attacking personalities, political parties.
He urged them to avoid use of abusive language against opponents, INEC officials, traditional institutions and security agencies.
Aliyu tasked them to avoid blocking roads and disrupting rallies of other parties. Approved venues, time limits and sound limits will be enforced.
He called on them to desist from bearing arms, dangerous weapons or illicit drugs at political gatherings and from mobilizing thugs, Sara-Suka or vigilante groups.
“The Command also reminded parties that cyberspace is being monitored. Its Cybercrime Unit will monitor online campaigns, and parties will be held responsible for the actions of their agents, supporters and media handlers.
“The CP highlighted relevant penal provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the Cybercrimes Act, including sanctions for thuggery and political violence, destruction of campaign materials, hate speech and incitement, as well as cyber-bullying, stalking and deliberate spread of false information.
“In their responses, the party leaders thanked the Police for the engagement and appealed to the police to ensure equal and fair treatment to all political parties among others.
“The leaders of the political parties were assured of the Command’s commitment to a level playing field and urged them to appoint a Peace and Compliance Officer to liaise with DPOs and Area Commanders, and to prepare to sign the Bauchi State Peace Accord before full campaigns commence.
“Aliyu further urged them to call their supporters to order and to use their platforms to preach peace, tolerance and unity,” he said.
