Stakeholders Engagement: Kebbi Police, INEC, Judiciary Pledge Neutrality Ahead of 2027 Election

Stakeholders Engagement: Kebbi Police, INEC, Judiciary Pledge Neutrality Ahead of 2027 Election

By Umar Faruk

The assurance was given during a stakeholders’ engagement on peaceful and orderly electioneering, convened by the Kebbi State Police Command under Commissioner of Police, CP Umar M. Hadiejia.  Declaring the Command’s position, CP Hadiejia said the police would remain impartial throughout the election cycle. "The Kebbi State Police Command assures all stakeholders of neutrality, professionalism, and equal protection. No party, no candidate, and no citizen will be favoured or discriminated against. The law will be applied fairly to all," he stated.

He highlighted the state’s security dynamics and the need for vigilance.  "Kebbi shares international borders with Benin and Niger Republics, and also borders Zamfara, Sokoto and Niger States. This terrain, with cross-border movement and peculiar challenges in the northwest, demands that we stay proactive, especially in border LGAs like Arewa, Augie, Dandi, Bagudo, Shanga, Danko/Wasagu and Sakaba," he said.

On election security arrangements, the CP said adequate deployments have been planned.  

"The Command will work in close synergy with sister security agencies. We will deploy personnel, equipment and operational resources to secure campaign grounds and protect the public during the electioneering period," he said.
He urged political parties to comply with notification requirements. "I urge all political parties, candidates and support groups to notify the Police of their campaign activities, routes and schedules at least 48 hours in advance. This will enable proper coordination under the Public Order Act and help us prevent clashes," he added.

The CP also warned against inflammatory conduct.  
"We will monitor campaign speeches and online content. Hate speech, ethnic or religious incitement, fake news and digital thuggery will not be tolerated. The Cybercrime Act and other relevant laws will be enforced without regard to status," he said.  

"Vote buying, destruction of campaign materials, voter intimidation and use of political thugs are offences under the Electoral Act 2022. They will be investigated and prosecuted. No one is above the law," he further stated.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Alhaji Abubakar S/Fawa Dambo, outlined INEC’s timetable and responsibilities.  

"INEC is the institution driving this democratic process. The Electoral Act 2022 provides the legal framework to guarantee credible, legitimate and transparent elections," he said.
He listed critical dates.  

"Notice of Election comes up on 13th February, as provided in Section 28. Submission of membership registers is due on or before 10th May, 2026, under Section 82. Primaries will hold between 23rd April and 30th May, 2026, per Section 84. Nomination and submission of candidates run from 27th June to 8th August, 2026. Publication of Form EC9 is from 1st August to 29th August, 2026, under Section 29(3). The election days are 16th January and 6th February, 2027," the REC explained.

He called for compliance with campaign rules.  
"I urge all political parties to avoid hate speech and to respect campaign finance limits. The success of the 2027 elections will depend on how parties, candidates and INEC adhere to the timelines and guidelines set by law," he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Chief Judge of Kebbi State, Hon. Justice Umar Abubakar, Hon. Justice Muhammad Nuradeen addressed the judicial role in the electoral process.  
"The constitutional mandate of the judiciary is clear. As Lord Denning noted, 'The rule of law is the foundation of a democratic society'," he said.  

"The 1999 Constitution vests the courts with powers to determine all election related matters. The campaign period is often the most sensitive. The judiciary will handle pre - election cases, protect fundamental rights, and ensure prosecution of offences such as electoral violence, hate speech, forgery and defamation," he added.

He advised political actors on dispute resolution. "I recommend internal party conflict resolution, strict adherence to campaign guidelines, responsible use of social media, and stronger collaboration between security agencies on arrests, investigations and prosecutions," Justice Nuradeen said.

The Deputy Director of Operations, DSS, Jamilu Babura, who represented the State Director, presented a security intelligence brief and offered safety guidelines for candidates and parties during campaigns.

The State Director of NOA, Malam Muhammad Nasiru Karofi, focused on civic education and voter behavior. "Campaigns should be issue driven, not rooted in bitterness. We must also guard against voter apathy," he said.  

He expressed concern over poor attendance and urged wider sensitization. "Voting based on emotion does not advance our democracy. We must respect the rule of law and the dignity of individuals during campaigns. I appeal to all stakeholders to take this engagement down to the grassroots," he stated.

The forum was declared open for contributions, and participants were given the opportunity to ask questions, raise observations and make inputs on the various topics discussed. Several party candidates and leaders took part in the interactive session. They posed questions on security deployment, sought clarifications on the electoral timetable, and made observations on campaign conduct. Many of them also expressed support for the positions presented by the keynote speakers and pledged to sensitize their supporters on peaceful campaigning.

Dignitaries present included leaders of political parties, candidates, and  judicial officers, civil society groups, the media, and IPAC officials. As well as senior police officers and heads of other security agencies all are in attendance