By TDTM
The Nigeria Police Force has warned politicians, political supporters and their agents against the destruction, defacement or unlawful removal of campaign posters, banners and billboards belonging to rival candidates and political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Force said it had observed with serious concern increasing incidents of deliberate destruction of political campaign materials across the country, describing the development as an act of political intolerance capable of undermining democratic values.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said political thugs, hoodlums and other individuals involved in such acts must desist immediately or face arrest and prosecution.
The police explained that the destruction, defacement or unlawful removal of another candidate’s campaign materials could amount to malicious damage, a criminal offence under applicable laws, including Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 326 of the Penal Code Law, which addresses the offence of mischief.
It stressed that political differences, party loyalty or personal interests did not give anyone the right to destroy another candidate’s property or prevent political opponents from exercising their legitimate right to campaign.
The Force further emphasised that all political parties and candidates, irrespective of their affiliations or status, were entitled to equal protection under the law.
It maintained that no individual or group had the authority to decide whose campaign materials should be displayed or destroyed.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has consequently directed Commissioners of Police across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to adopt proactive measures to prevent such incidents.
The IGP also directed state police commissioners to investigate reported cases and ensure that anyone found culpable was arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The police chief warned that political sponsors and individuals who recruit, encourage or facilitate the destruction of campaign materials would equally be held accountable where evidence established their involvement.
The Force urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and respect the rights of others, stressing that Nigeria’s democratic process must not be undermined by political intolerance, intimidation or criminal activities.
It warned that the police would not allow political thugs and troublemakers to turn the country’s political environment into a theatre of lawlessness.
“Those who choose to break the law will face the full consequences of their actions,” the statement warned.
The Force concluded with a call on political actors and their supporters to respect the law and allow democracy to thrive.
