Taraba Police Warn Politicians Ahead Of Campaigns

Before a single campaign poster goes up, Taraba's police command wants one message clear: violence will not be tolerated this election season.

The Taraba Police warning political violence directive was issued Thursday at a stakeholders' meeting with political party leaders at the command headquarters in Jalingo, ahead of the state's upcoming electioneering campaigns.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Umar Shehu Didango, in charge of Operations, presided over the meeting on behalf of the Commissioner of Police. The command described the engagement as part of its broader effort to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free electoral process.

Didango was explicit about the line political actors cannot cross, listing several offenses the command will actively enforce against:

• Political thuggery and violence
• Hate speech and intimidation
• Destruction of campaign materials
• Possession of dangerous weapons
• Vote buying and other electoral offenses

The Deputy Commissioner stressed that while every political party has an equal right to campaign and contest, that right must be exercised responsibly and without infringing on the rights, freedoms, or safety of others.

Didango asked political leaders to take direct responsibility for their supporters, urging them to caution followers against inflammatory remarks or actions capable of disturbing public order.

This police warning does not stand alone. It follows closely behind Governor Agbu Kefas's decision to sign an executive order specifically banning political thuggery in Taraba, a move the governor said was necessary given the approaching campaign season and the state's desire to protect the relative peace it currently enjoys. Together, the two actions suggest a coordinated effort between the state government and security agencies to head off electoral violence before campaigns even begin, rather than reacting to it afterward.

Didango assured stakeholders that the command would carry out its constitutional duties professionally, impartially, and without political bias throughout the election period.

He also called on parents, community and religious leaders, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to support the police in maintaining peace before, during, and after the elections.

The command closed its message with a direct appeal to both the public and political actors across Taraba State to respect the law, avoid violence, and work together to ensure the electoral process remains peaceful, credible, and orderly.