Nigeria Police Command Warns Against Partisanship Ahead of 2027

Assistant Inspector-General Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin has cautioned police personnel in Kwara State to remain strictly non-partisan as political campaigns for the upcoming 2027 general elections gain momentum. Speaking during an operational inspection tour in Ilorin, the senior officer emphasized that the primary duty of the force during this period is security, not political engagement. She warned that any officer who allows themselves to be utilized by political figures would be left to face the consequences independently, as the police force would not shield those who compromise its institutional neutrality.

The directive comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria’s democratic process, where the perception of police impartiality is often a deciding factor in public trust. According to reporting from GN auto geopolitics/africa: Nigeria elections, this warning is part of a broader effort to assess operational readiness and entrench discipline among personnel. By explicitly forbidding officers from campaigning or influencing voter choice, leadership aims to prevent the politicization of security forces, a challenge that has historically complicated election administration in various regions.

Reforming the Public Policing Relationship

Beyond the immediate electoral context, AIG Otimenyin reiterated the reform agenda championed by Inspector-General Olatunji Rilwan Disu, which seeks to shift the dynamic from a traditional master-servant model to one of community partnership. She stated that the new face of policing in Nigeria is defined by professionalism and service, rather than coercion or extortion. This shift is intended to foster a more cooperative relationship between law enforcement and the citizenry, moving away from adversarial interactions toward collaborative safety management.

The senior officer specifically condemned what she termed "Dracula policing," a reference to brutality and human rights abuses that tarnish the force’s reputation. She urged officers to reflect the diligence and commitment expected of the leadership, noting that individual misconduct embarrasses the entire institution. By highlighting these standards, the command aims to ensure that the goodwill currently enjoyed by the Kwara State command is sustained and that public confidence in the police remains robust during the high-stakes period of election security.

Ensuring Operational Discipline and Readiness

The inspection tour serves a dual purpose: it is both a tactical assessment of readiness and a moral reinforcement of professional standards. As deployment for election security duties begins, the risk of pressure from political actors increases. The clear instruction to officers is that their role is limited to maintaining order and safety, with no room for personal political agendas. This approach is designed to insulate the police from the volatile dynamics of campaign politics, ensuring that security operations are conducted with consistency and fairness across all constituencies.

Looking ahead, the focus will shift to how these directives are enforced on the ground. Observers will watch for any signs of deviation from this neutral stance, particularly in areas with intense political competition. The success of the 2027 elections will depend significantly on the ability of security forces to maintain this balance between active security presence and strict political detachment. The coming months will likely test the resolve of both the officers and the leadership to uphold these standards under pressure.