OWERRI — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has warned the Nigeria Police Force against being used to advance political interests ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging officers to maintain strict impartiality, professionalism and accountability in securing the electoral process.
The President issued the warning on Monday at the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO 2026) in Owerri, Imo State.
Tinubu, whose address was delivered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said the police must be regarded as a national institution serving the Nigerian people rather than any political interest.
“The police must be seen not as an instrument of any political interest, but as a national institution serving the Nigerian people and protecting the constitutional order,” the President said, stressing that public trust was fundamental to the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy.
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The conference, themed “Developing a Nigeria Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Elections,” is focused on developing practical strategies for the security management of the 2027 general elections. The Nigeria Police Force said the three-day gathering is bringing together senior officers, policing experts and other stakeholders to address emerging electoral-security challenges.
Tinubu said the 2027 elections would require careful preparation, intelligence-led operations, professionalism and effective coordination among security and electoral institutions.
He stressed that election security goes beyond protecting polling stations and electoral materials, noting that it also includes protecting voters and electoral officials, preventing violence and intimidation, ensuring peaceful campaigns and creating an environment where citizens can participate in the democratic process without fear.
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The President also assured the police of continued government support for reforms and improved operational capacity, including investment in personnel, training, technology, intelligence infrastructure, logistics, welfare and institutional development.
He tasked the Force with strengthening intelligence gathering, improving response capabilities, deepening community engagement, embracing emerging technologies and enhancing cooperation with other security and electoral agencies.
Tinubu commended Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Police Management Team for efforts aimed at repositioning the Force, while acknowledging officers working to combat kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes across the country.
He urged senior police officers to build public confidence through discipline, accountability, professionalism and respect for citizens’ rights and dignity.
The President further tasked participants at the retreat with producing a practical and implementable roadmap for election security and operational preparedness, while laying the foundation for a modern, technology-enabled, intelligence-driven and citizen-centred police force beyond the 2027 elections.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, also charged senior officers to begin preparations well ahead of the elections, with emphasis on professionalism, intelligence and accountability.
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The police have identified intelligence-led policing, community partnerships, digital technologies and artificial intelligence among the approaches being considered as part of preparations for the 2027 electoral cycle.
The conference is scheduled to run from September 21 to 23, 2026, in Owerri, Imo State.
The President’s directive comes as security agencies intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with electoral security expected to remain a major focus in the months ahead.
