The Nigeria Police Force has threatened to arrest and prosecute politicians, political thugs and other individuals involved in the destruction, defacement and unlawful removal of campaign posters, banners and billboards belonging to rival candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The police warned that political differences and loyalty to particular parties would not excuse acts of political intolerance, stressing that anyone caught destroying campaign materials belonging to other candidates would face the full weight of the law.
The Force said it had observed with serious concern the growing incidents of deliberate destruction of political campaign materials across the country as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement issued on November 4, 2026, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, described the development as an unacceptable act of political intolerance and warned political thugs, hoodlums and other mischief-makers to desist immediately.
The police explained that the destruction, defacement or unlawful removal of campaign posters and billboards could constitute malicious damage, a criminal offence under applicable laws.
It specifically cited Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 326 of the Penal Code Law, which provides for the offence of mischief.
According to the Force, political affiliation or allegiance to any candidate does not confer on anyone the right to destroy another person’s property or prevent rival candidates from freely exercising their campaign rights.
Reaffirming its commitment to neutrality, the police declared that all political parties and candidates, regardless of their political affiliations or status, were entitled to equal protection under the law.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has consequently directed Commissioners of Police across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to take proactive measures to prevent further incidents.
Disu also ordered the police commissioners to investigate reported cases and ensure the arrest and prosecution of anyone found culpable.
The IGP further extended the warning to political sponsors and individuals who recruit, encourage or facilitate the destruction of campaign materials, declaring that they would equally be held accountable wherever evidence establishes their involvement.
The Force urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and respect the rights of political opponents.
It warned that the nation’s democratic process must not be undermined by intimidation, political intolerance and criminal activities.
Declaring that it would not allow political thugs to turn the country’s political environment into a theatre of lawlessness, the police said those who violate the law would face the consequences of their actions.
The warning comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the police reiterating the need for peaceful campaigns and respect for the rights of all political actors.
