By:Abdullahi Inuwa
Maiduguri — The Borno State Police Command has pledged to support efforts aimed at ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections in the state.
The commitment followed an advocacy visit by the Borno Know Your Candidate (BKYC) Initiative to the Command’s headquarters in Maiduguri.
The BKYC delegation, led by its Convener, Ambassador Ahmed Shehu, met with the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, to introduce the initiative and explore areas of collaboration ahead of future electoral activities.
Shehu said BKYC was established to deepen democratic participation through voter education, issue-based campaigns and greater accountability among political candidates.
He described the initiative as a non-partisan, citizen-centred platform designed to help voters make informed choices based on candidates’ policies, qualifications and commitments.
According to him, the 2026 edition builds on the success of the 2023 pilot programme and will feature a Candidate Commitment Tracker, expanded digital engagement and post-election accountability mechanisms.
Shehu thanked the police command for receiving the delegation and expressing readiness to collaborate in promoting peaceful electoral participation.
Responding, CP Abdulmajid commended BKYC for prioritising voter enlightenment, describing public awareness as a cornerstone of a functional democracy.
The commissioner urged the initiative to join and play a leading role in the Peace Accord Initiative being planned by the Command and its partners.
He said BKYC was well positioned to contribute to the process through its non-partisan approach and its network of organisations and individuals committed to responsible democratic participation.
Abdulmajid also called for stronger engagement with social media influencers and digital content creators to combat misinformation, fake news and misleading electoral information, especially among young people.
He noted that partnerships with digital platforms could expand access to credible information and encourage responsible participation in the electoral process.
The meeting also focused on the need to intensify public sensitisation on peaceful political campaigns, responsible social media use and lawful electoral participation.
Participants paid particular attention to the dangers and legal consequences of vote buying and the illegal sale or transfer of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
They stressed that curbing such practices would require sustained public education and stronger cooperation among security agencies, civil society organisations, the media, political stakeholders and citizens.
The meeting was attended by representatives of key partner organisations, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), National Orientation Agency (NOA), SMK Radio, PACHE and Borno Youth Advocate.
The engagement highlighted the importance of building partnerships that promote peaceful political competition, tackle electoral malpractice and restore public confidence in the democratic process.
BKYC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting informed voting, issue-based politics and accountability, while urging political candidates to clearly communicate their programmes and remain answerable to citizens for their promises.
The initiative said its broader goal was to help create a political environment where voters make informed choices, candidates are judged by their commitments and elections are conducted peacefully and in line with the law.
The partnership is expected to boost civic awareness and strengthen peaceful democratic participation across Borno State.
About The Author
