2027:Kebbi Police, INEC, Judiciary Pledge Impartiality
By Khadijat Saidu
Birnin Kebbi
The Nigeria Police Force, Kebbi State Command, INEC, and the Judiciary have pledged to ensure a level playing ground and strict enforcement of the law as electioneering activities for Governor and House of Assembly seats commence nationwide on September 9, 2026.
This was the consensus at a stakeholders’ engagement with the theme : “Towards a Peaceful, Credible and Inclusive Electioneering Process” held at the Auditorium, Waziri Umar Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi on Monday.
The event was organized by the Kebbi State Police Command in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Umar M. Hadijia, assured all political actors of equal protection.
“No party, no candidate, and no citizen will be favoured or discriminated against. The law will be applied fairly to all,” Hadejia said.
He cited security challenges due to Kebbi’s international borders with Benin and Niger Republic, and boundaries with Zamfara, Sokoto and Niger States.
He urged parties to notify police 48 hours before any activity and warned against hate speech, vote buying, intimidation, and digital thuggery, adding that the Cybercrimes Act and Electoral Act 2022 would be enforced.
The REC, Alhaji Abubakar S/Fawa Dambo, listed key INEC dates: Party Primaries from 23rd April to 30th May, 2026; Nomination from 27th June to 8th August, 2026; and Election Day on 16th January and 6th February, 2027,cautioning against hate speech and violation of campaign spending limits.
The Chief Judge, represented by Justice Muhammad Nuradeen, said courts would adjudicate pre-election matters and prosecute electoral offences.
NOA on its part, urged issue-based campaigns and grassroots sensitization to avoid voter apathy.
Candidates of various political parties, traditional rulers, party leaders, CSOs and the media attended the engagement.