2027 elections: IGP Disu's assurance of level playing field not inspiring – Atiku's aide
A spokesman for the African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, on Thursday said the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu's, assurance of a level playing field during the 2027 general elections can't inspire confidence.
Ibe said the police need to show Nigerians and the opposition evidence of impartial policing.
In a statement he signed, Ibe wondered about the number of the All Progressives Congress, APC, members arrested for threatening the opposition.
He said: "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, how many APC members accused of threatening political opponents or carrying out politically motivated attacks have been arrested under your leadership? How many have been charged to court? What is the status of those cases?
"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 where offences have been established, who is facing prosecution? Publish the record. Let Nigerians judge your commitment 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 threat left unaddressed emboldens those who believe that proximity to power places them above the law. Every failure to protect political opponents deepens the perception that the police serve the interests of the ruling party.
"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 resources must never become instruments of any party’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."
2027 elections: IGP Disu’s assurance of level playing field not inspiring – Atiku’s aide