The Nasarawa police command has prohibited premature political campaigns following a violent clash between rival party supporters in the state.
The command held that the clash between political party rivals disrupted public order and triggered widespread destruction of property and campaign materials, prompting the state police directive ordering that activities must now strictly comply with established legal timelines and procedures governing elections.
The Commissioner of Police, Shetima Mohammed, in a statement released on Tuesday, said that the command will no longer tolerate activities that violate electoral guidelines or endanger public safety.
He stressed that the police remain neutral in political contests but are fully committed to maintaining order and protecting citizens, noting that the recent violence involved supporters of rival political aspirants, leading to the vandalisation of billboards, destruction of property, and damage to vehicles belonging to unsuspecting members of the public.
The police command also cited Section 98(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which stipulates that campaigns are only permitted to begin 150 days before polling and must end 24 hours before election days.
Mohammed warned that any breach of these provisions would attract strict legal consequences for the political party and violators.
Furthermore, the Commissioner issued a firm caution that individuals or groups engaging in unlawful political gatherings, sponsoring violence, or inciting disorder would be arrested and prosecuted.
“Anyone found violating the law or disturbing public peace will face the full weight of justice,” he stated.
Also, residents, traditional leaders, and political actors have been urged to restrain supporters and discourage acts of hooliganism, intolerance, or intimidation.
The police command added that proactive monitoring and enforcement measures will be intensified to prevent further breakdown of order.