The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to neutrality, professionalism, and fairness in the country’s electoral process.
He gave the assurance while receiving a delegation from the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC) on Tuesday, July 30, 2025, at the IGP Smart Conference Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, made the disclosure at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
He said the delegation, led by Davidetta Browne Lansanah, Chairperson of the National Elections Commission of Liberia, included top electoral officials such as Bossman Asare, Deputy Chairman of the Ghana Electoral Commission, Chinedu Chinedu, Senior Programme Officer at ECONEC, and Bolade Eyinla, Technical Adviser to Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), among others.
The visit formed part of a strategic dialogue to review the outcomes of Nigeria’s 2023 general elections and initiate conversations on implementing key recommendations in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
In her remarks, Lansanah commended the Inspector-General for the warm reception and expressed appreciation for the Nigeria Police Force’s role in ensuring electoral security.
She said the delegation’s mission was to engage key stakeholders on lessons learned from the previous electoral cycle and explore actionable strategies to improve future elections.
“We are here to discuss the way forward and ensure that the recommendations from the 2023 general elections report are taken seriously as Nigeria prepares for another critical electoral milestone in 2027,” she stated.
Responding, Egbetokun underscored the pivotal role of the police in safeguarding democratic processes.
He explained that the responsibilities of the Force during elections are segmented into three crucial phases: pre-election, election day, and post-election duties.
“Before elections, the police work to ensure peaceful campaigns and intervene in potential conflicts.
“On election day, we are responsible for deploying adequate personnel, escorting and protecting sensitive materials, and maintaining order at polling units.
“After elections, we focus on preserving law and order, investigating and profiling electoral offenders, and ensuring prosecution where necessary,” the IGP said.
He reiterated the Force’s dedication to maintaining a nonpartisan stance, adding that the police under his leadership remains guided by professionalism and democratic values.
Egbetokun also stressed the need for continued synergy between security agencies and electoral bodies, noting that positive feedback from international observers reflects the growing credibility of the police during elections.
