By Sochima Agbo

The Nigeria Police Force has warned politicians, political supporters and suspected thugs against the destruction, defacement or unlawful removal of campaign posters, banners and billboards belonging to candidates and political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The warning followed growing complaints from political parties and candidates over alleged attacks on their campaign materials by individuals suspected to be sponsored by political opponents.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu, who issued the warning in a statement, said the police would investigate reported incidents and prosecute anyone found culpable.

According to the police, the destruction of campaign materials constitutes political intolerance and may 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.

The police emphasised that political differences and party affiliations do not give individuals the right to destroy another candidate's property or prevent political opponents from exercising their right to campaign freely.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has consequently directed Commissioners of Police across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to take proactive measures to prevent further incidents.

He also ordered the investigation of reported cases, with instructions that offenders be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The police further warned that political sponsors and individuals who recruit, encourage or facilitate the destruction of campaign materials would also be held accountable where evidence establishes their involvement.

The Force urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct their political activities peacefully, respect the rights of others and avoid actions capable of undermining the democratic process.

The warning comes amid reports of campaign material vandalism in several parts of the country, including Edo, Kano, Adamawa, Delta and Rivers states.

In Ekpoma, Edo State, youths were reportedly captured in a viral video destroying a mini-billboard displaying the presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Similar incidents were reported in Kano, where campaign billboards belonging to President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) were allegedly removed and destroyed.

In parts of Adamawa State, including Numan and Nassarawo Demsa, campaign posters and banners belonging to local aspirants were also reportedly vandalised.

Meanwhile, the police in Cross River State have averted a possible confrontation between supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso and those of the APC in Calabar.

The incident occurred when supporters of the NDC presidential candidates and APC members converged around a hotel along Murtala Mohammed Highway, near the U.J. Esuene Stadium.

The NDC had scheduled a meeting at the hotel, expected to feature Obi and Kwankwaso, while APC supporters were also mobilising for a street rally in the same area.

Reports indicated that hundreds of NDC supporters blocked the highway in an apparent attempt to prevent the APC supporters from reaching their destination, raising fears of a possible clash.

However, security operatives promptly intervened, separated the two groups and diverted the APC crowd away from the meeting venue.

Confirming the development, the Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the command's timely intervention and engagement with the groups helped prevent a breakdown of law and order.

He explained that police officers appealed to both sides to exercise restraint, maintain peace and ensure that their respective activities were conducted in accordance with the law.

The hotel management subsequently restricted access to its premises as security personnel maintained order around the facility.

As of the time of filing the report, officials of the two political camps had yet to issue official statements on the incident.

The police reiterated their commitment to ensuring equal protection for all political parties and candidates, warning that political intolerance, intimidation and criminal conduct would not be tolerated as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.