By Festus Fifen

Again in another Foral, In a high-stakes gathering that signaled the beginning of Nigeria’s countdown to the 2027 General Elections, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has issued a stern warning to political actors telling them to “Compete with ideas, not with thugs.”

Speaking on Monday at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO 2026) in Owerri, the IGP unveiled the Force’s strategic roadmap for securing the nation’s democratic future. With the Presidential and National Assembly elections set for January 16, 2027 and Governorship polls following on February 6, 2027, the police chief made it clear that the safety of the ballot box rests squarely on the shoulders of his officers.

Addressing Guests at the Imo Civic and conference Centre now Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre Owerri, filled with DIGs, AIGs, Commissioners of Police as well as other key stakeholders IGP Disu delivered a direct message to the political class.

In his words, “Do not hire mobs, buy votes, move arms, or threaten voters and electoral officials,”

“The Police will act against anyone who tries to disrupt the peace.”

He emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force is not just preparing for election day but is monitoring the entire electoral cycle, focusing on intelligence, training, and the protection of INEC personnel and materials.

Drawing inspiration from the International Day of Peace theme, “Invest in Peace, For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day,” the IGP noted that the Force is shifting toward “early action” preventing violence before it starts rather than merely reacting to it.

The IGP expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his “unprecedented support” in equipment, recruitment, and welfare, promising that the Force would deliver on the President’s charge for free, fair, and credible elections. He also shared a moment of silence for fallen heroes, pledging that the welfare of their families remains his top priority.

As CARSPO 2026 continues in the heart of Imo State, the message from the top brass is clear in the next two days, IGP Disu has said Nigeria Police Force is ready, the dates are set, and the rules of engagement have been written in stone. He urged those planning to use violence as a political tool to think twice as the Force will not leave anything unturned.