By ifeoma Onyekachi

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been urged to avoid involvement in electoral violence and other illegal political activities as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 general elections.

The Commissioner of Police in charge of the FCT, Mr Ahmed Sanusi, gave the warning during a community engagement with residents of Lugbe in Abuja as part of activities marking the 2026 National Police Day celebration.

Sanusi specifically advised young people not to allow themselves to be used by politicians for violent activities that could endanger lives and destroy property, stressing that no political ambition is worth bloodshed or destruction.

He explained that while every citizen has the constitutional right to support any political party or candidate of their choice, such rights must be exercised peacefully and within the law.

The police commissioner warned against common electoral offences such as ballot box snatching, attacks on supporters of rival political parties, destruction of election materials and blocking of roads to prevent electoral officials from carrying out their duties.

According to him, such actions are criminal offences and would not be tolerated by security agencies during the election period.

He also cautioned parents to monitor their children and ensure they are not recruited by political actors to cause violence before, during or after elections.

Sanusi said the police would continue to work closely with the

Independent National Electoral Commission, community leaders and other stakeholders to ensure peaceful, free and credible elections in the FCT.

He added that the command would intensify community engagement and public enlightenment programmes ahead of the 2027 elections in order to build trust between the police and residents and reduce cases of electoral violence.

The police boss reassured residents that adequate security measures would be put in place to protect voters, electoral officials and election materials throughout the electoral process.