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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
Ahead of the 2027 general elections in the country, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, has warned youths and community leaders not to engage in ballot snatching and other forms of electoral violence.
He said that no political ambition was worth risking lives or destroying property, just as he called on residents to exercise their political rights peacefully without fear.
Sanusi gave the warning when he engaged with youths, religious and community leaders, as well as residents of Lugbe, in a town hall meeting held as part of activities lined up to celebrate the 2026 National Police Day in Abuja.
He called on residents not to allow themselves to be used by political actors to disrupt elections, listing ballot box snatching, attacks on supporters of opposing parties, destruction of electoral materials and blocking access roads for election officials as acts capable of undermining the democratic process.
The commissioner who kicked against all forms of violence during elections, said, “You don’t allow people to induce you to act in a manner that is unbecoming that will lead you to endanger your lives and also can ultimately lead to destruction of life and property.
“Whatever opposition, whatever political affiliation you may wish to belong to, it is your choice. It is your constitutional right.
“Do not agree and do not allow yourselves or your children to follow the political gladiators that might want to induce you to engage in some act of political electoral violence like snatching of ballot boxes, like attacking other supporters because they are not with you, like destroying ballot papers and other ballot materials, and also blocking of roads for the electoral officers.”
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The CP assured that the police would partner with the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure elections in the FCT are peaceful and credible.
“So all we know is we are going to partner with you to ensure that whatever election happens should be hitch-free and should be conducted in a very peaceful manner to the benefit of everyone.
“Your candidate may win. Other person’s candidate may win. Whoever wins is his own turn. You wait for the next time,” he stated.
He expressed concern that youths are often used as political thugs, warning them against accepting inducements from politicians.
“In most cases, it is these youths that are being used as political brigands. They are being used as thugs. Don’t allow yourselves to be used. Whatever you have been given is only for that moment. After that time, you might not see those people that are giving you again,” he said.
The CP said the command would continue community engagements monthly or bimonthly to build trust and reduce electoral violence ahead of elections.
He said, “Our expectation is that with what we have done so far, they will understand what it means to avoid electoral violence… Together we will make the society a safer place and build a better electoral process that will be credible and acceptable both nationally and internationally.”
