The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, on Wednesday met with leaders of political parties across the state as part of efforts to ensure peaceful campaigning ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The interactive session, held under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCESS), brought together security chiefs, electoral officials and party leaders to discuss ways of maintaining calm and order throughout the campaign season.
Addressing the gathering, CP Giwa called on political parties to properly coordinate their activities. “We need political parties to provide the Police with information on proposed campaign venues, routes, dates and timings, to prevent clashes and facilitate adequate security arrangements,” he said.
He also issued a stern warning against inflammatory conduct. “We caution against hate speech, incitement, threats, provocative utterances and any conduct capable of escalating political tension or triggering violence,” Giwa stated, adding that “any violation of extant laws will be dealt with appropriately in accordance with the law.”
The Commissioner reassured party leaders that the police, working alongside other security agencies under the ICCESS framework, would guarantee a level playing field for all parties. “We are ready to provide adequate security for all parties to conduct their campaigns in a peaceful, serene and orderly atmosphere,” he said, urging party leaders to take responsibility for the conduct of their members and supporters and to encourage them to “eschew violence and respect opposing views.”
The meeting drew wide participation, including the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Enugu State, Dr. Chukwu Chukwuemeka, the IPAC State Chairman, Hon. Elvis Ugwoke, and heads of other security agencies.
Also present were representatives of twelve political parties: Action Alliance (AA), African Action Congress (AAC), Action Democratic Party (ADP), Action Peoples Party (APP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Boot Party (BOOT), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), National Rescue Movement (NRM), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Youth Party (YP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
