The Gombe State Police Command has called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to shun violence, political thuggery, hate speech and other forms of electoral misconduct ahead of the September 19 by-election and the 2027 General Elections.
The Commissioner of Police, Gombe State Command, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, made the call while addressing political parties, electoral stakeholders and security agencies during a joint Security and Peace Accord held in police headquarters Gombe.
CP Chuso urged political actors to conduct their campaigns and other political activities within the bounds of the law, stressing that political competition must be guided by mutual respect and responsible engagement.
He expressed particular concern over the growing use of social media for what he described as “digital thuggery”, including threats against political opponents, the spread of inflammatory content, manipulation of information and incitement to violence.
The Commissioner urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to refrain from creating or circulating fake news, unverified information and manipulated videos capable of creating fear, tension and conflict.
He also called on political parties to sensitise and monitor their supporters, particularly youths, against being recruited or used to perpetrate violence.
CP Chuso assured residents that the security agencies in Gombe State remained committed to providing a secure and enabling environment for citizens to exercise their democratic rights.
He said the Command would remain professional, impartial and firm in enforcing the law against anyone who attempts to undermine public peace.
The Commissioner further advised political actors to use appropriate legal and constitutional mechanisms to resolve disputes rather than resorting to violence or self-help.
He urged stakeholders to collectively preserve the peace of Gombe State by competing without violence, disagreeing without hatred and using technology to inform rather than inflame.
Representatives of political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), SDP and Labour Party, among others, commended the Commissioner of Police for organising the Peace Accord.
They said the initiative would contribute significantly to maintaining a peaceful political atmosphere in the state.
The political parties also pledged to obey the law and conduct their activities in accordance with established rules and regulations.
Speaking on behalf of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the representative of Resident Electoral Commissioner in Gombe State, Alhaji Aliko Muhammad, assured stakeholders of the Commission’s readiness to conduct free, fair and credible elections.
He urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to maintain law and order and ensure compliance with electoral guidelines throughout the electioneering process.
The stakeholders subsequently reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful political participation and the preservation of the existing peace in Gombe State ahead of the September 19 by-election and the 2027 General Elections.
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