Police Warn Political Thugs Over Destruction of Campaign Posters, Threaten Prosecution

The Nigeria Police Force has warned politicians, political thugs and other individuals involved in the destruction of campaign posters, banners and billboards belonging to candidates and political parties to desist or face prosecution.

The warning comes amid growing complaints by political parties and candidates over the alleged destruction of their campaign materials by thugs reportedly sponsored by political opponents ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The police warning came on a day security operatives averted a possible violent confrontation between supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Calabar, Cross River State.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu, condemned the destruction of campaign materials, describing the acts as political intolerance and criminal conduct.

The statement read: “The Nigeria Police Force has observed with serious concern the growing incidents of deliberate tearing, defacement and destruction of political campaign posters, banners and billboards belonging to candidates and political parties across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The Force strongly condemns this act of political intolerance and warns political thugs, hoodlums and other mischief-makers involved to desist immediately.”

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The police explained that destroying, defacing or unlawfully removing campaign materials belonging to other candidates could amount to malicious damage, an offence punishable under applicable criminal laws, including Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 326 of the Penal Code Law.

It stressed that political differences or loyalty to a particular party did not give anyone the right to destroy another candidate’s property or interfere with their constitutional right to campaign freely.

According to the Force, all political parties and candidates, regardless of their political affiliations or status, are entitled to equal protection under the law.

IGP directs commissioners to arrest offenders

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has directed commissioners of police across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to take proactive measures to prevent further destruction of campaign materials.

The IGP also ordered investigations into reported incidents, with instructions that anyone found culpable should be arrested and prosecuted.

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The police warned that political sponsors and individuals who recruit, encourage or facilitate the destruction of campaign materials would also be held accountable if evidence established their involvement.

The Force urged political parties, candidates and supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully, warning that it would not allow political thugs to turn the country’s political environment into a theatre of lawlessness.

Recent incidents of campaign material destruction have been reported in different parts of the country.

In Ekpoma, Edo State, youths were captured in a viral video tearing down a mini-billboard featuring Obi and Kwankwaso.

In Kano State, some youths were also reportedly seen removing and tearing campaign billboards belonging to President Bola Tinubu and the APC.

Similarly, campaign posters and banners belonging to local aspirants were vandalised in Numan and Nassarawo Demsa areas of Adamawa State.

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In Delta State, the NDC reported the destruction of its campaign banners in Onicha-Uku and Aniocha North, while tension also reportedly heightened in Rivers State following the destruction of a campaign billboard belonging to Obi.

Police avert possible clash between Obi, Kwankwaso and APC supporters in Calabar

Meanwhile, security operatives on Wednesday prevented a possible violent clash between supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso and a large group of APC supporters in Calabar, Cross River State.

The incident occurred around Metropolitan Hotel, along Murtala Mohammed Highway, near the U.J. Esuene Stadium, where the NDC had scheduled a presidential town hall meeting expected to feature Obi and Kwankwaso.

However, APC supporters had also mobilised for a street rally in the same area, creating tension as both groups converged in front of the hotel.

Hundreds of NDC supporters reportedly blocked the highway in an apparent attempt to prevent the APC supporters from proceeding towards the area.

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Security operatives swiftly intervened, separating the two groups and diverting the APC supporters away from the venue.

The hotel management subsequently restricted access to its premises as security personnel maintained order around the facility.

A police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the intervention was necessary to prevent bloodshed.

“What we have done is very necessary; otherwise, it would have been a bloody scene,” the officer said.

Confirming the incident, the Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the command’s timely intervention and engagement with both groups prevented a possible breakdown of law and order.

He said police officers appealed to the supporters to exercise restraint, maintain peace and ensure that their respective activities were conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law.

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According to him, the confrontation was avoided through constructive engagement with participants at the NDC presidential town hall meeting and APC supporters undertaking a rally and road walk towards the Governor’s Office.

Officials of both political camps had yet to comment on the incident as of the time of filing this report.

Obi and Kwankwaso had also not arrived at the venue, although party leaders and supporters had gathered at the hotel and its frontage.

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