“Destroying Campaign Posters Is A Criminal Offence” — IGP Disu Orders Nationwide Crackdown, Cites Criminal Code, Penal Code Ahead Of 2027 Elections

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has directed Commissioners of Police across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in destroying, defacing or unlawfully removing campaign posters, banners and billboards belonging to political opponents ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Nigeria Police Force warned that politicians, political thugs and their sponsors found responsible for such activities would face criminal prosecution under applicable laws, stressing that political differences do not justify the destruction of another candidate’s property.

The warning was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, following increasing incidents of deliberate destruction of campaign materials across the country.

According to the police, the tearing down and defacement of posters and billboards belonging to rival political parties and candidates constitute acts of political intolerance capable of undermining peaceful political participation and the democratic process.

The Force condemned the activities of political thugs, hoodlums and other individuals involved in the destruction, warning them to desist immediately.

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

Explaining the legal implications, the police stated that destroying or unlawfully removing another candidate’s campaign materials could constitute malicious damage or mischief under existing criminal laws.

The Force specifically cited Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 326 of the Penal Code Law as provisions applicable to such conduct.

“For the avoidance of doubt, destroying, defacing or unlawfully removing another candidate’s campaign posters and billboards may constitute malicious damage, which is a criminal offence under applicable criminal laws,” the police stated.

The Force emphasised that membership of a political party or support for a particular candidate does not confer immunity from criminal responsibility or authorise interference with the political activities of opponents.

“Political differences or loyalty to a particular party do not give anyone the right to destroy another candidate’s property or infringe on their right to campaign freely,” the statement added.

The police further maintained that all political parties and candidates, regardless of their political affiliations or status, are entitled to equal protection under the law.

“No individual or group has the right to determine whose campaign materials should be displayed or destroyed,” the Force declared.

Following the warning, IGP Disu directed Commissioners of Police in all 36 states and the FCT to adopt preventive measures aimed at stopping further destruction of political campaign materials.

The Commissioners were also instructed to investigate complaints and reported incidents, identify those responsible and ensure that suspects are arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The directive extends beyond individuals physically involved in destroying campaign materials to persons who organise, finance, encourage or otherwise facilitate such activities.

According to the police, political sponsors and individuals who recruit or provide support to those engaged in the destruction of campaign posters and billboards will equally face legal consequences where investigations establish their involvement.

The Force warned that the use of political thugs to intimidate opponents or disrupt lawful political activities would not be tolerated as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.

It urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully, respect opposing political views and avoid actions capable of provoking violence or public disorder.

The police also stressed that the protection of campaign materials and the right of candidates to participate in political activities must be applied without discrimination.

Reaffirming its determination to maintain law and order, the Force declared that it would not permit political thugs and troublemakers to undermine the country’s democratic environment through intimidation and criminal conduct.

“The Nigeria Police Force will not allow political thugs and troublemakers to turn the nation’s political environment into a theatre of lawlessness. Those who choose to break the law will face the full consequences of their actions,” the statement concluded.

The warning comes as political parties and candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with concerns growing over incidents of vandalism involving campaign materials in different parts of the country.

The police directive places responsibility on state Commissioners of Police and the FCT Police Command to respond to such incidents, investigate complaints and enforce applicable criminal laws against offenders, regardless of their political affiliations.

Post Title: “Destroying Campaign Posters Is A Criminal Offence” — IGP Disu Orders Nationwide Crackdown, Cites Criminal Code, Penal Code Ahead Of 2027 Elections By Papers Nigeria.