By By Elizabeth Ugbo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the Nigeria Police Force to remain professional and impartial ahead of the 2027 General Elections, during the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Owerri, Imo State, on Monday, September 21, 2026. The President gave the charge through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, while directing senior officers to develop a practical roadmap for election security.
Tinubu Demands Police Neutrality
Tinubu stressed that the Police must remain above partisan interests during the electoral process.
He said the Force must serve Nigerians and protect the constitutional order.
The President also urged officers to build public confidence through discipline, accountability and professionalism.
He further stressed respect for citizens’ rights and dignity.
According to Tinubu, every Nigerian should feel protected regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion or location.
Police Tasked With 2027 Election Security Roadmap
The President tasked participants with producing an implementable roadmap for the 2027 elections.
The roadmap should strengthen election security and improve operational preparedness.
It should also support a modern and technology-enabled Police Force.
Tinubu called for intelligence-driven policing and stronger citizen engagement.
The Nigeria Police Force had earlier announced CARSPO 2026 as a strategic forum for this purpose.
The conference runs from September 21 to 23 in Owerri, Imo State.
It brings together senior officers, policing experts and other relevant stakeholders.
Technology and Intelligence Take Centre Stage
The conference focuses on several areas of modern policing.
These include intelligence-led policing, digital technology and artificial intelligence.
Police-community partnerships also form part of the discussions.
The Force said the conference would develop strategies for protecting voters and electoral officials.
It would also address the safety of candidates, election materials and the general public.
Tinubu Calls for Better Police Operations
Tinubu urged the Police to strengthen intelligence gathering and improve response times.
He also called for deeper community engagement and effective technology deployment.
In addition, he urged stronger cooperation among security agencies.
The President said these measures would help the Force respond to emerging security threats.
He also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s support for police reforms and operational capacity.
President Commends IGP Disu
Tinubu commended Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Police Management Team.
He recognised their efforts to reposition the Force and address security challenges.
The President also acknowledged the sacrifices of police officers across Nigeria.
He cited officers confronting kidnapping, terrorism, banditry and armed robbery.
He also recognised those fighting cultism and other forms of violent crime.
Tinubu urged officers to match government support with courage, integrity and discipline.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Police Reform
Tinubu said sustainable police reform requires continued investment.
He listed personnel development, training and technology among key priorities.
He also mentioned intelligence infrastructure, logistics, welfare and institutional systems.
The President said these investments would support a more effective Police Force.
He further stressed the need for professionalism and impartiality during the 2027 electoral cycle.
Election Security Goes Beyond Polling Stations
Tinubu noted that election security involves more than protecting polling units.
It also includes protecting citizens, electoral officials and election materials.
According to the President, security agencies must prevent violence and intimidation.
They must also support peaceful campaigns and create a safe electoral environment.
He said the 2027 elections would require careful planning and intelligence-led operations.
Effective coordination among security and electoral stakeholders would also remain essential.
Focus on Public Confidence
The President urged the Police to strengthen public trust before the elections.
He said officers must uphold discipline, accountability and professionalism.
He also stressed respect for the rights and dignity of citizens.
The Nigeria Police Force says CARSPO 2026 will strengthen strategic leadership and operational preparedness.
The conference is expected to produce practical measures for election security management.
