President Bola Tinubu has urged the Nigeria Police Force to remain politically neutral and professional as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu said the police must not allow political interests to influence their operations, stressing that every Nigerian should have confidence that the Force would protect them regardless of their political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, social status or location.
The President spoke on Monday at the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Owerri, Imo State. His address was delivered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
The SGF’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, September 21.
Tinubu said maintaining the neutrality of the police was critical to public confidence and the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process.
“The police must be seen not as an instrument of any political interest, but as a national institution serving the Nigerian people and protecting the constitutional order. This is fundamental to public trust and to the credibility of our democracy,” the President said.
The conference, themed “Developing a Nigeria Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Elections”, focused on preparations for the security challenges associated with the 2027 polls.
Tinubu said the elections would require extensive preparation, professionalism, impartiality, intelligence-led policing and effective coordination among security agencies and electoral stakeholders.
He assured the police that the Federal Government would provide the resources and institutional support required for the Force to carry out its responsibilities effectively.
According to the President, election security goes beyond safeguarding polling units, ballot papers and other electoral materials.
He said the police must also protect voters and electoral officials, ensure peaceful campaigns, prevent intimidation and violence, and create an environment where Nigerians can participate in the democratic process without fear.
Tinubu also reiterated his administration’s commitment to police reform, stressing that sustainable transformation of the Force would require continuous investment in personnel, training, technology, intelligence infrastructure, operational equipment, welfare and institutional systems.
He urged the police to improve intelligence gathering and response capabilities while strengthening community relations, adopting technology and enhancing cooperation with other security agencies to confront increasingly sophisticated threats.
READ ALSO: Wike: 2027 Election Already ‘Walkover’ For Tinubu
The President commended Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Police Management Team for their efforts to reposition the Force and address emerging security challenges.
He also recognised the sacrifices made by police officers confronting kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes across the country, including those who had died while carrying out their duties.
Despite the challenges facing the Force, Tinubu said Nigerians expected greater accountability and professionalism from the police.
He urged officers to earn public confidence by upholding discipline, respecting citizens’ rights and dignity, and remaining accountable in the discharge of their duties.
The President tasked the senior officers participating in the retreat with developing a practical and implementable roadmap for strengthening election security, improving operational preparedness and restoring public confidence in the police.
He said the plan should extend beyond the 2027 elections and contribute to the development of a modern, professional, technology-enabled, intelligence-driven and citizen-centred Police Force.
Tinubu assured officers and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force that the Federal Government recognised their sacrifices and remained committed to supporting them.
He, however, said government support must be complemented by courage, integrity, discipline and professionalism in the performance of their constitutional responsibilities.