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From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe
Security agencies in Gombe State have warned political parties against engaging in violence, early campaigns and other actions capable of undermining peace ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The warning was issued during a stakeholders’ meeting attended by leaders of political parties, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and civil society organizations in Gombe.
Speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Chuso, said the gathering was convened following observations of increasing political activities, including consultations and public receptions, which had in some cases been accompanied by acts capable of breaching public order.
He expressed concern over reports of political thuggery, the display of dangerous weapons by supporters at political gatherings and the growing influence of drug abuse among youths involved in such activities.
The police commissioner urged political leaders to take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters, warning that security agencies would not tolerate lawlessness regardless of political affiliation.
The Director of the Department of State Services (DSS),Haruna Koko, described the meeting as a wake-up call, urging all political parties to return to their supporters and emphasize peaceful conduct throughout the electioneering period.
He stressed that security agencies would enforce the law against anyone found violating public order, irrespective of party membership.
Also speaking, the Gombe State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Jibrin Idris, called on political actors to play by the rules, expressing concern over the growing misuse of social media through online harassment and other actions capable of deepening political divisions.
INEC officials used the meeting to clarify the electoral timetable, reminding political parties that campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections will officially commence on August 19, while campaigns for Governorship and State House of Assembly elections will begin on September 9.
They urged parties to comply strictly with the Commission’s timetable and other provisions of the Electoral Act.
Representatives of political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC) and African Action Congress (AAC), pledged their commitment to peaceful campaigns and called for collective efforts to prevent political violence and protect the peaceful atmosphere in Gombe State ahead of the elections.
