Tinubu Backs Police for 2027 Elections as IGP Disu Unveils Six-Point Security Plan in Owerri

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) ahead of the 2027 general elections, as senior police officers gathered in Owerri, Imo State, to develop an election-security roadmap.

Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, made the commitment on Monday at the opening of the sixth Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers, CARSPO 2026. The three-day conference is themed “Developing a Nigeria Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Elections.”

The President said effective election security would require professionalism, impartiality, intelligence-led policing and stronger coordination among security agencies. He also assured the Police of continued government support in training, technology, operational logistics, welfare and institutional reforms.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, unveiled six priorities for the Force’s election-security preparations: stronger intelligence and early-warning systems, intensive training and preparedness, joint command and inter-agency coordination, improved communication and technology, sustained community partnerships, and strict political neutrality.

Disu directed Commissioners of Police to identify potential electoral flashpoints, criminal networks and emerging threats in their respective commands while strengthening community-based intelligence. He said the Police must work proactively to prevent violence rather than wait until incidents occur.

The IGP also issued a warning to police officers and political actors. He said officers who take sides, harass voters, collude with politicians or abuse their powers during the elections would face accountability. He equally warned against political violence, voter intimidation, vote-buying and other electoral offences.

As part of the preparations, Disu announced that the Police would establish an official public election complaints line on October 12, 2026, giving citizens a channel to report election-related concerns ahead of the 2027 polls.

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who welcomed participants, said he was pleased that the state was hosting CARSPO for the fourth time and commended the Police for using the platform to address emerging security challenges. The conference is scheduled to run from September 21 to 23 in Owerri.