Tunji Disu: Police Must Be Neutral During Elections

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has directed officers of the Nigeria Police Force to
maintain strict neutrality during elections, warning that any form of misconduct or partisanship will
attract disciplinary action, including prosecution.

Disu gave the directive on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, during his inaugural meeting with senior police
officers in Abuja, shortly after assuming office as the 23rd IGP.
He emphasised that the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process, particularly the 2027 general elections,
would depend significantly on the conduct of the police as the lead agency responsible for election
security.
“The police must be firm in enforcing the law, impartial in its decisions, professional in its conduct, and
strictly neutral in all electoral engagements,” Disu said.

The police chief issued a strong warning against any compromise of neutrality, stating that officers who
violate electoral laws or operate outside established rules would face swift consequences.
“Any officer found to have compromised neutrality, violated electoral laws, or acted outside approved
rules of engagement will face decisive disciplinary action, including prosecution where applicable,” he
added.

Disu further assured Nigerians that the police would secure the electoral process before, during, and
after elections, including the protection of voters, electoral officials, and critical infrastructure.
He also stressed that crowd control operations must respect human rights, with any use of force being
lawful and proportionate.
The IGP noted that the force would work closely with other security agencies while retaining its
leadership role in election security operations.

Beyond elections, Disu reiterated his commitment to internal reforms within the police, warning that
misconduct such as corruption, extortion, and abuse of authority would not be tolerated under his
leadership.
His remarks come amid broader efforts to strengthen professionalism and public trust in the Nigeria
Police Force ahead of future electoral cycles.

By Oyinkansola Shittu.

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