Police Warn Political Thugs Over Destruction of Campaign Billboards, Posters

The Nigeria Police Force has warned politicians, political thugs and other individuals involved in the destruction of campaign posters, banners and billboards belonging to candidates and political parties to desist or face prosecution.

The warning comes amid growing complaints from political parties and candidates over the alleged destruction of campaign materials by suspected supporters of rival political groups ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu, issued the warning in a statement, saying the police would enforce the law against anyone found responsible for such acts.

The police described the deliberate tearing, defacement and destruction of campaign materials as acts of political intolerance, warning those involved to stop immediately.

According to the statement, destroying, defacing or unlawfully removing another candidate’s campaign materials may constitute malicious damage, which is a criminal offence under applicable laws, including Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 326 of the Penal Code Law.

The Force stressed that political differences or loyalty to a particular party did not give anyone the right to destroy another candidate’s property or prevent them from campaigning freely.

It also maintained that all political parties and candidates were entitled to equal protection under the law, regardless of their political affiliations or status.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has directed commissioners of police across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to take proactive measures to prevent further incidents.

The directive also includes investigating reported cases and ensuring that individuals found responsible are arrested and prosecuted.

The police warned that political sponsors and individuals who recruit, encourage or facilitate the destruction of campaign materials would also be held accountable where evidence establishes their involvement.

The warning follows reported incidents in several states. In Ekpoma, Edo State, youths were captured in a viral video tearing down a billboard featuring the presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

In Kano State, youths were also reported to have removed and destroyed campaign billboards belonging to President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Similar incidents were reported in Numan and Nassarawo Demsa areas of Adamawa State, where campaign posters and banners belonging to local aspirants were allegedly vandalised.

In Delta State, the NDC reported the destruction of its campaign banners in Onicha-Uku and Aniocha North, while tension also reportedly rose in Rivers State following the destruction of a billboard belonging to Obi.

Meanwhile, police and other security operatives in Calabar, Cross River State, prevented a possible confrontation between supporters of the NDC and the APC on Wednesday.

The incident occurred around Metropolitan Hotel along Murtala Mohammed Highway, where the NDC had organised a presidential town hall meeting featuring its presidential candidate, Obi, and running mate, Kwankwaso.

APC supporters had also mobilised for a street rally and road walk towards the Governor’s Office, bringing the two groups into the same area.

Hundreds of Obi and Kwankwaso supporters reportedly blocked the highway as the APC supporters approached the hotel, raising fears of a confrontation.

Security operatives intervened, separated the groups and redirected the APC supporters away from the venue. Hotel management subsequently restricted access to its premises while security personnel maintained order around the facility.

A police officer who spoke anonymously said the intervention was necessary to prevent violence.

Confirming the incident, Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said officers used timely intervention and engagement to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

He said the police appealed to both groups to exercise restraint and ensure that their activities were conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law.

Officials of both political camps had not publicly commented on the incident as of the time of filing the report.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its call on political parties, candidates and supporters to conduct their activities peacefully, warning that political intolerance, intimidation and criminal conduct would not be tolerated.