The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has pledged to maintain neutrality and professionalism throughout the 2027 general elections, while warning political parties and their supporters against actions capable of triggering violence.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, made the position known on Tuesday in Uyo during the opening of a two-day seminar focused on promoting violence-free elections in the state.
The programme was organised by the Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with the Department of State Services and the Akwa Ibom State Government.
The seminar was held under the theme, “Promoting Peaceful, Free, Fair and Credible Elections in Akwa Ibom State.”
Azare said the police would remain committed to the Constitution, the laws of Nigeria and the protection of lives and property before, during and after the elections.
“We remain neutral, professional, and impartial. Our loyalty is to the Constitution and laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and to the peace and security of the people we are mandated to protect.”
The police commissioner urged political parties to caution their supporters against activities capable of undermining the electoral process.
He specifically warned against thuggery, hate speech, intimidation, destruction of campaign materials, possession of dangerous weapons, disruption of political gatherings and attacks on electoral officials.
Azare also stressed that political competition should be centred on ideas and the choice of leaders rather than violence or bloodshed.
According to him, security agencies cannot independently guarantee credible elections without the cooperation of political actors, community leaders and other stakeholders.
He therefore called for stronger collaboration between the police, DSS, Independent National Electoral Commission, political parties, traditional and religious institutions, civil society organisations, the media, youths and members of the public.
Governor Umo Eno also called for a peaceful and credible 2027 electoral process, describing Akwa Ibom as “a peaceful home.”
The governor, who was represented at the event by his deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, expressed concern over the use of young people as instruments of political violence.
Eno said youths should instead be supported with education, skills, employment and opportunities that would enable them to contribute positively to society.
He warned against arming young people, deploying them to attack political opponents and abandoning them after elections.
The governor urged politicians to ensure that the 2027 contest does not undermine the peace and unity that exist in Akwa Ibom.
“No political ambition is worth the life of a single Akwa Ibom person. No elective position is worth destroying the peace we have worked hard to maintain in this state.”
Eno also advised political actors not to allow disagreements over elections to turn neighbours and communities against one another.
He noted that political parties are merely vehicles for pursuing political objectives, while Akwa Ibom remains the shared home of all its citizens regardless of political affiliation or electoral outcomes.
The governor further urged political leaders, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious organisations, civil society groups and the media to work together to safeguard peace during the electoral period.
He warned that inflammatory statements, fake news and unverified reports circulated on social media could heighten tensions and potentially lead to violence.
“Ballots, not bullets, must determine leadership. Ideas, not intimidation, must win the support of the people. And peace must remain the ultimate victory for Akwa Ibom State.”
The Paramount Ruler of Uyo Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty Edidem Sylvanus Okon, also appealed for a collective commitment to peaceful elections.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers and community leaders, Okon urged participants to take the message of the seminar back to their respective communities.
He said community leaders had an important role to play in preserving Akwa Ibom’s reputation as a peaceful state ahead of the 2027 elections.
Okon also prayed for the safety of police officers and other security personnel, urging them to remain neutral and strengthen their commitment to peaceful elections.
“Our duty is to take the message of the seminar back to our respective communities. This will help preserve the state’s reputation as a peaceful state in the 2027 elections.”
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The messages from the police, state government and traditional institutions point to the need for early preventive action ahead of the 2027 polls.
Beyond security deployment, stakeholders are expected to discourage political violence at the community level, counter misinformation and ensure that young people are not recruited into electoral conflicts.
With the election season approaching, the emphasis remains on allowing voters to make their choices freely while ensuring that political disagreements do not threaten lives, property or the peace of Akwa Ibom.
