The Nigeria Police Force has warned politicians, political thugs and other individuals involved in the destruction of campaign posters, billboards and banners ahead of the 2027 general elections to desist or face prosecution.

The warning comes amid complaints by political parties and candidates that supporters allegedly sponsored by their opponents have repeatedly vandalised campaign materials, limiting their ability to reach voters.

The police issued the warning on Wednesday, the same day security operatives prevented a possible clash between supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Calabar, Cross River State.

In a statement, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu, condemned the destruction of campaign materials, describing it as an act of political intolerance.

The statement read, “The Nigeria Police Force has observed with serious concern the growing incidents of deliberate tearing, defacement and destruction of political campaign posters, banners and billboards belonging to candidates and political parties across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The Force strongly condemns this act of political intolerance and warns political thugs, hoodlums and other mischief-makers involved to desist immediately.”

The police said destroying, defacing or unlawfully removing another candidate’s campaign materials could amount to malicious damage, a criminal offence under applicable laws, including Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 326 of the Penal Code Law, which defines the offence of mischief.

It stressed that political differences or loyalty to a particular party did not give anyone the right to destroy another candidate’s property or infringe on their right to campaign freely.

The Force also reaffirmed that all political parties and candidates, regardless of their affiliation or status, were entitled to equal protection under the law.

According to the statement, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has directed commissioners of police across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to take proactive measures to prevent further incidents.

He also ordered investigations into reported cases to ensure that those found culpable were arrested and prosecuted.

The police warned that political sponsors and individuals who recruit, encourage or facilitate the destruction of campaign materials would also be held accountable where evidence establishes their involvement.

The Force urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully, warning that it would not allow political thugs to turn the country’s political environment into a theatre of lawlessness.

The warning follows several reported incidents of campaign material vandalism across the country.

In Ekpoma, Edo State, youths were captured in a viral video tearing down a mini-billboard featuring the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

In Kano State, youths were also reported to have removed and torn campaign billboards belonging to President Bola Tinubu and the APC.

Similar incidents were reported in Numan and Nassarawo Demsa areas of Adamawa State, where campaign posters and banners belonging to local aspirants were vandalised.

In Delta State, the NDC raised concerns over the destruction of its campaign banners in Onicha-Uku and Aniocha North, while tension also reportedly increased in Rivers State following the vandalism of a campaign billboard belonging to Obi.

Meanwhile, security operatives in Calabar on Wednesday prevented a possible confrontation between hundreds of NDC supporters and APC members conducting a street rally.

The NDC had scheduled a meeting featuring its presidential candidate, Obi, and running mate, Kwankwaso, at a hotel along Murtala Mohammed Highway, near the U.J. Esuene Stadium.

However, APC supporters had also mobilised for a road walk in the same area, bringing the two groups together in front of Metropolitan Hotel.

Reports indicated that NDC supporters blocked the highway in an apparent attempt to prevent the APC group from reaching the venue, raising fears of a violent confrontation.

Security operatives promptly separated the groups and diverted the APC supporters away from the meeting venue.

The hotel management subsequently restricted access to its premises as security personnel maintained order around the facility.

A police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the intervention was necessary to prevent bloodshed.

“What we have done is very necessary; otherwise, it would have been a bloody scene,” he said.

Confirming the incident, the Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the command’s timely intervention and engagement with both groups prevented a breakdown of law and order.

He said officers appealed to the participants to exercise restraint and ensure that their activities were conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law.

According to him, the confrontation was averted after both groups converged in front of the hotel, where the police intervened and restored order.

Officials of both political camps had yet to comment on the incident as of the time of filing this report.

Obi and Kwankwaso had also not arrived at the venue at the time, although party leaders and supporters had gathered around the hotel.