The Commissioner of Police (CP) for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Ahmed Sanusi, has warned residents against electoral violence and related offences ahead of the 2027 general elections. He issued the warning during a community engagement with members of Lugbe Community in Abuja, held as part of activities for the 2026 National Police Day. Sanusi urged youths to resist inducements that could lead to loss of life or destruction of property, stressing that no political ambition justified violence. He emphasized that peaceful exercise of constitutional rights was non-negotiable and warned against acts such as snatching ballot boxes, attacking political opponents, destroying electoral materials, or blocking roads. "Do not allow yourselves or your children to follow the political gladiators that might want to induce you to engage in some act of electoral violence," he said. Sanusi stated that the police would collaborate with the Independent National Electoral Commission, community leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure credible and peaceful elections in the FCT. He added that ongoing community engagements would continue to build public trust and reduce the risk of electoral violence.
A police chief warning against violence two years before an election suggests authorities already expect trouble. Ahmed Sanusi's focus on youth and ballot box snatching echoes patterns from past elections, implying little has been done to break the cycle. When the same warnings are issued election after election, the message is not prevention—it's prediction. For Nigerians, this means the script remains unchanged: power will be contested violently, and the young will pay the price.
