Nasarawa CP urges political parties to shun night gatherings, highway blockades

Nasarawa State Police Command has urged political parties and their supporters to embrace peaceful campaigns and avoid activities capable of triggering clashes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, made the call during a stakeholders’ meeting with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Social Democratic Party, SDP, and other political parties in the state, including supporters of the APC governorship candidate, Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, and the SDP governorship candidate, Rtd. IGP Mohammed Abubakar Adamu.

According to the Command’s PPRO, SP Ramhan Nansel, the meeting, convened against the backdrop of increasing political activities across the state, focused on measures to prevent confrontations among supporters of rival political parties and ensure that campaigns and other political engagements are conducted peacefully and within the law.

Addressing the stakeholders, Shetima warned political parties to prevail on their supporters against congregating at night, particularly along major highways.

He said such gatherings could obstruct traffic, create unnecessary tension and provide opportunities for confrontations between supporters of opposing political parties.

“Political differences should never become a reason for violence. Elections and political contests must be conducted without bloodshed,” CP Shetima said.

The commissioner also directed political parties to notify the Police Command ahead of rallies, processions and other major gatherings to enable the command to make adequate security arrangements and prevent possible clashes or a breakdown of law and order.

He cautioned political actors against campaigns of calumny, hate speech, inflammatory statements and other provocative rhetoric capable of heightening political tension.

According to him, political supporters should focus their activities on issues, programmes and policies capable of addressing the concerns of the people rather than engage in unnecessary rivalry.

He further warned against the destruction, defacement or removal of campaign billboards, posters and other political materials belonging to opposition parties, noting that such acts could provoke avoidable confrontations and undermine the peace of the state.

Shettima urged party leaders to take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters and continuously educate them on the need to respect the rights and political interests of others.

The commissioner assured the political parties that the Police Command would remain neutral, professional and committed to providing a level playing field for all parties.

He, however, warned that anyone who violates the law under the guise of political activities would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

Responding, the SDP State Chairman, Hon. Danlami Musa, commended the commissioner for convening the meeting, describing it as timely and necessary for sustaining peace amid increasing political activities.

Musa assured the command that the party leadership would continue to control and educate its supporters on the need to maintain peace and order.

Similarly, the APC State Chairman, who was represented by the party Secretary, Hon. Yarius Dagusa, appreciated the police for the initiative, saying the meeting had reinforced the party’s commitment to peace, law and order.

Dagusa assured the command that the APC would play politics according to the rules and communicate the commissioner’s message to its supporters.

He further pledged that the party would ensure orderliness, peace and compliance with the law during its political gatherings and other engagements.

The commissioner finally added that the command remained committed to working closely with all political parties, stakeholders and relevant authorities to ensure that political activities were conducted peacefully and without disruption to public order.

He called on political parties, candidates, supporters and members of the public to support efforts aimed at preserving the peace of Nasarawa State and ensure that political differences do not undermine the security and peaceful coexistence of residents.