2027 elections: IGP Disu's assurance of stage taking part in discipline not inspiring – Atiku's aide

Paul Ibe, spokesman for the African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on Thursday mentioned the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu’s, assurance of a stage taking part in discipline throughout the 2027 normal elections cannot encourage confidence.

Ibe mentioned the police want to point out Nigerians and the opposition proof of neutral policing.

In an announcement he signed, Ibe questioned concerning the variety of the All Progressives Congress, APC, members arrested for threatening the opposition.

He mentioned: “IGP Tunji Disu’s assurance of a level playing field ahead of the 2027 general elections cannot, on its own, inspire confidence. Nigerians, especially those in the opposition, need evidence of impartial policing. We have heard enough promises.

“Mr IGP, what number of APC members accused of threatening political opponents or finishing up politically motivated assaults have been arrested below your management? How many have been charged to courtroom? What is the standing of these circumstances?

“What action has followed complaints of attacks on opposition members in Lagos, Osun, Edo, Cross River, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi and Edo? What has been done about attacks on opposition in Rivers, Kebbi, Ekiti, Enugu, Ebonyi, Benue, Niger and Gombe?

“Which allegations have been investigated, who has been questioned, and the place offences have been established, who’s dealing with prosecution? Publish the document. Let Nigerians decide your dedication by your actions.

“A level playing field begins long before election day. It begins when opposition supporters can organise, assemble and campaign without intimidation. It begins when a threat of violence attracts the same police response regardless of the suspect’s political connections.

“Every risk left unaddressed emboldens those that consider that proximity to energy locations them above the regulation. Every failure to guard political opponents deepens the notion that the police serve the pursuits of the ruling get together.

“IGP Disu must be held accountable for how the Force under his command prevents political violence, protects its victims, and investigates its perpetrators. A warning to subordinate officers does not discharge his own responsibility.

“The Nigeria Police Force belongs to Nigerians. Its personnel and sources must not ever turn out to be devices of any get together’s electoral ambition.

“Until these assurances produce visible, impartial enforcement, asking the opposition to take them on trust is akin to waiting for Godot.

#NigeriaDecides2027.”