President Bola Tinubu says Nigerians must see the police as a national institution, urging officers to protect voters, electoral officials and democratic processes without political interference.

President Bola Tinubu has warned the Nigeria Police Force against allowing itself to be used to advance political interests ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing the need for neutrality, professionalism and respect for citizens’ rights.

Tinubu gave the warning at the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Owerri, Imo State, where he urged senior officers to begin early preparations for the security challenges that could arise before, during and after the elections.

The President’s address was delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the SGF on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, Tinubu said every Nigerian, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, social status or location, should feel protected by the police.

He said the neutrality of the Police Force would be critical to maintaining public confidence and protecting the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process.

“The police must be seen not as an instrument of any political interest, but as a national institution serving the Nigerian people and protecting the constitutional order. This is fundamental to public trust and to the credibility of our democracy,” Tinubu said.

The conference, themed “Developing a Nigeria Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Elections,” focused on preparing the Force for the complex security demands associated with electoral activities.

Tinubu said the 2027 elections would require careful planning, professionalism, impartiality, intelligence-led policing and stronger coordination between the police, other security agencies and electoral stakeholders.

He assured the Police Force that the Federal Government would continue to provide the support required for officers to effectively perform their constitutional responsibilities.

Election security goes beyond polling stations

The President noted that securing an election involves much more than protecting ballot papers and polling centres.

He said security agencies must also protect voters, electoral officials and election materials, while ensuring that political campaigns take place peacefully and that citizens are able to exercise their democratic rights without intimidation or fear.

Tinubu also reiterated his administration’s commitment to police reforms, saying sustainable transformation of the Force would require continued investment in personnel, training, technology, intelligence infrastructure, operational equipment, welfare and institutional development.

He urged the police leadership to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve emergency response, deepen engagement with communities, adopt modern technology and improve cooperation with other security agencies.

According to him, these measures are necessary to enable the police to respond effectively to increasingly sophisticated security threats.

Tinubu commends police officers

The President commended Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu and the Police Management Team for their efforts to reposition the Force and respond to emerging security challenges.

He also recognised the sacrifices made by police officers operating against kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, cultism and other forms of violent crime.

Tinubu paid tribute to officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, describing their sacrifices as part of the broader responsibility of protecting Nigerians and maintaining public order.

However, he reminded the Force that public expectations regarding security remain high.

He urged officers to build stronger relationships with citizens through discipline, accountability, professionalism and respect for human rights and dignity.

Police tasked with developing election security roadmap

Tinubu charged senior police officers attending the retreat to develop a practical and implementable roadmap for election security.

He said the plan should strengthen operational preparedness, improve coordination and deepen public confidence in the police before, during and after the 2027 elections.

The President also urged the Force to look beyond the 2027 polls by working towards the development of a modern, professional, technology-enabled, intelligence-driven and citizen-centred police institution.

He assured police officers and men that the Federal Government recognises their sacrifices and remains committed to supporting them.

Tinubu, however, stressed that government support must be matched by courage, integrity, discipline and professionalism in the discharge of the police's constitutional duties.