By Abdullahi Inuwa
The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has issued a stern warning to politicians and their supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that the Police will not allow violence, thuggery or other acts capable of threatening the state’s peace.
Azare gave the warning on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, during the signing of the Akwa Ibom State Political Parties Peace Accord 2026/2027, aimed at promoting peaceful political campaigns and ensuring a violence-free electoral process.
The ceremony attracted representatives of political parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), sister security agencies, traditional and religious institutions, civil society organisations, the media and other key stakeholders.
The Commissioner described the accord as more than a formal document, saying it represented a collective pledge by political actors and other stakeholders to safeguard the peace and democratic stability of Akwa Ibom.
He stressed that while political rivalry remains an essential feature of democracy, it must be pursued within the limits of the law.
According to him, political ambitions must not be used as justification for violence, intimidation, thuggery, hate speech, misinformation, vote buying or destruction of property.
Azare also placed a major responsibility on political leaders, urging them to ensure that the commitments made at the signing ceremony are communicated and enforced across their various structures.
He specifically charged party leaders to monitor the activities of candidates, officials, campaign organisations, agents, youth groups and supporters to prevent them from engaging in acts capable of disrupting public peace.
The Commissioner assured all stakeholders that the Police would remain professional, impartial and non-partisan throughout the electoral process.
He, however, made it clear that neutrality would not mean weakness, warning that the Command would deal decisively with anyone who attempts to use political activities as a cover to foment violence or threaten lives and property.
Azare further advised politicians and their supporters to channel grievances and disagreements through lawful and democratic institutions rather than resorting to confrontation or self-help.
He challenged the signatories to prove the seriousness of their commitment by their actions before, during and after the elections.
The Commissioner equally appealed to young people in the state not to allow themselves to be recruited as political thugs or used as instruments of violence.
He said no political ambition should be allowed to jeopardise the lives, peace and economic prosperity of the people of Akwa Ibom.
“Akwa Ibom State is greater than any individual, political party or ambition,” the Commissioner said, stressing that despite differences in political affiliation, all citizens have a shared responsibility to protect the state.
He called for continuous cooperation among political parties, INEC, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups, the media and the electorate throughout the electoral cycle.
Azare commended the participating political parties and stakeholders for embracing the peace initiative, assuring them that the Police Command remains committed to working with all relevant institutions to ensure that political activities across Akwa Ibom are conducted peacefully, lawfully and orderly.
The signing of the accord marks an early attempt by stakeholders to establish a framework for peaceful political engagement as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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