The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has urged political parties and their candidates to avoid inflammatory statements during campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections to prevent tension and violence in the state.
Adepoju stressed the need for issue-based campaigns, responsible conduct and political maturity throughout the electoral process.
He spoke as political leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and other stakeholders called on political actors, security agencies and citizens to embrace peaceful conduct before, during and after the polls.
The calls dominated discussions at a one-day Rivers Dialogue organised by the newsroom of Megalectrics Limited, operators of Beat FM, Classic FM and Naija FM, in collaboration with the Professor Oke Onuchuku Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt. <Cite refs={[“turn759350search2”]}/>
The dialogue, themed Peaceful Elections: Sustainable Path for Economic Development, brought together political actors and other stakeholders to discuss ways to prevent electoral violence and strengthen democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.
Represented by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Ikechukwu Okoro, the commissioner said peaceful elections were essential to sustaining investors’ confidence, protecting businesses and creating an environment conducive to development.
He urged political parties to discourage violence among their supporters and advised candidates to focus on policy issues rather than inflammatory rhetoric.
“As political parties, you are supposed to base your campaigns on issues. Election is not a do-or-die matter. Parties and candidates should avoid inflammatory statements to avoid tension,” Adepoju said.
He assured participants that the police would discharge their responsibilities but urged political parties to obtain the necessary authorisation for campaign activities.
“We will do our jobs as police. We advise parties to obtain permission for their campaigns so that we don’t have a situation where two parties are having a rally in the same area,” he said.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, said credible elections required the collective efforts of citizens, political institutions and electoral stakeholders.
“A free, fair and credible election in 2027 cannot be guaranteed by INEC alone. It requires a collective responsibility, civic discipline, moral courage and active participation of every citizen,” he said.
Issa-Onilu stressed that promoting peaceful elections was a shared responsibility that extended beyond the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to political parties, security agencies and the electorate.
The Paramount Ruler of Elelenwo Kingdom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, His Royal Highness Sunny Chukwu, called for proper training and orientation for security personnel assigned to election duties.
He emphasised the importance of preparing security operatives to manage electoral activities professionally and respond appropriately to potential threats.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Kingsley Chinda, pledged his commitment to peaceful elections and governance, stressing that the protection of lives and property remained a primary responsibility of government.
“I am fully, unconditionally committed to a peaceful election and peaceful governance in Rivers State,” Chinda said.
Other governorship candidates, including representatives of the Social Democratic Party, Peoples Redemption Party, National Rescue Movement and Boot Party, also expressed their commitment to non-violent elections.
The dialogue underscored the importance of cooperation among political parties, security agencies, traditional institutions, the media and citizens in preventing electoral violence and ensuring a peaceful democratic process in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
