2027: Police Warn Political Actors Against Incitement

Nigeria’s police have warned political actors against making statements that could inflame tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying incitement is a criminal offence and will not be tolerated.

Force Public Relations Officer Anietie Iniedu said remarks made by a senator from Osun State, the chairman of Kuje Area Council and a commissioner in Borno State were under investigation. He said he had taken part in questioning the Osun senator.

“The law is very clear when it comes to inciting comments. It is a criminal offence to incite members of the public, especially as we commence the electoral process,” Iniedu said. He added that police would maintain law and order regardless of whose interests were affected, and that the outcome of the investigations would be released.

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The law is very clear when it comes to inciting comments. It is a criminal offence to incite members of the public, especially as we commence the electoral process.

Iniedu also rejected claims that police were unwilling to prosecute electoral offenders arrested during the Osun off-cycle election. He said the Osun State Police Command remained available to answer questions and that about 154 people had been arrested by the morning of the election and were being investigated.

He identified the reluctance of witnesses to appear in court and testify as a major obstacle to prosecution. The warning came during a joint briefing in Abuja involving spokespersons for military, security, intelligence and response agencies.

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Every inciting statement listed here is currently under investigation, and the outcome will be released.