Paul Ibe, the Media Adviser to former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has challenged the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to provide evidence of impartial policing ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ibe made the demand through a post on his X handle on Thursday, responding to previous assurances from the police chief regarding the neutrality of the force. The media adviser’s call for transparency comes as political stakeholders begin to assess the readiness of security agencies for the upcoming electoral cycle.
The demand for concrete proof rather than mere verbal guarantees suggests a growing skepticism among political actors regarding the ability of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to remain non-partisan during high-stakes elections. This challenge highlights a critical tension between the leadership of the NPF and political organisers over the management of election security.
The statement by Atiku’s aide follows recent comments by IGP Disu, who had attempted to reassure the public of the force’s commitment to fairness. However, Ibe’s insistence on “evidence” points to a need for institutional frameworks that can withstand political pressure.
Security agency neutrality in Nigerian elections
The role of the Nigeria Police Force in maintaining order during elections has historically been a subject of intense debate. In previous election cycles, various political parties have raised concerns regarding the deployment of officers and the potential for security personnel to influence outcomes through selective enforcement or intimidation.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 polls, the pressure on the NPF to demonstrate independence is substantial. International and domestic observers typically look for clear indicators of police neutrality, such as the absence of political interference in arrests and the consistent application of the law across all political affiliations.
The Inspector-General’s ability to provide a clear roadmap for impartial policing will be a major factor in determining the perceived legitimacy of the next general election. Without visible safeguards, the concerns raised by political advisers like Ibe are likely to persist throughout the campaign period.
The Nigeria Police Force has yet to issue a formal response to Ibe’s specific request for evidence of their impartiality strategy.
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