Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nasarawa State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has issued a stern warning to politicians and their supporters, cautioning against campaigns of calumny, hate speech, and the deliberate spread of falsehood ahead of the upcoming local government elections and the broader 2027 political season. The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ramhan Nansel, made the announcement on Tuesday in Lafia, the state capital, declaring that any individual or group found guilty of disturbing public peace in the course of political activities will be arrested and prosecuted without exception. The warning comes amid rising political tensions in the state, where rival factions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties have been engaged in increasingly heated verbal confrontations, both in public gatherings and on social media platforms. The police have identified a worrying trend of inflammatory rhetoric that threatens to escalate into physical violence, prompting the need for proactive intervention.
Speaking during a press briefing at the command headquarters, DSP Nansel emphasised that the police are not opposed to legitimate political expression or peaceful assembly. However, he drew a clear line between lawful political engagement and conduct that endangers public order. “The command has observed with concern the increasing use of hate speech, defamatory statements, and deliberate falsehoods by some political actors and their followers,” Nansel said. “These acts are capable of inciting violence, creating unnecessary tension, and undermining the peace and stability we currently enjoy in Nasarawa State.” He reminded politicians that freedom of speech is not absolute and that the law provides sanctions for those who misuse it to harm others or disrupt societal harmony. The warning specifically references provisions of the Electoral Act, the Criminal Code, and the Cybercrime Act, all of which criminalise hate speech, false information, and incitement to violence.
The police command’s directive is not without precedent. In recent months, Nasarawa has witnessed several incidents where political disagreements escalated into physical confrontations, resulting in injuries and property damage. In January 2026, supporters of two rival APC factions clashed in the Karu Local Government Area during a ward congress, leaving several persons hospitalised. In March, a widely circulated audio recording allegedly captured a local politician making ethnically charged remarks against a rival community, sparking outrage and calls for arrest. While the politician later denied the recording, the incident heightened inter-communal sensitivities in a state that has experienced periodic ethno-religious tensions. The police have since intensified surveillance of political gatherings and online discourse, with the Command’s Cybercrime Unit actively monitoring social media for posts that violate hate speech and false information laws.
Reactions from political stakeholders have been mixed. The state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Francis Orogu, welcomed the police warning, describing it as “long overdue.” He accused the ruling APC of deploying state apparatus to intimidate opposition voices and called for the warning to be applied impartially. “We have been victims of vicious attacks and sponsored media campaigns aimed at discrediting our leaders. If the police are serious about this warning, they must go after those who have already crossed the line,” Orogu said. On the other hand, the APC State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Salisu Tanko, said the party had always advocated for issue-based campaigns and welcomed any measure that would ensure a level playing field. “We have no fear of this warning because our campaigns are focused on development and the record of our achievements. Those who rely on falsehood and character assassination are the ones who should be worried,” Tanko stated.
Civil society organisations have also weighed in, urging the police to go beyond rhetoric and take concrete action against offenders. The Nasarawa State chapter of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) noted that previous warnings had often been ignored, with no visible arrests or prosecutions. “We have heard similar statements from security agencies before, yet hate speech and fake news continue to flourish. The police must demonstrate that this is not just a press release but a genuine commitment to enforce the law,” said CLO coordinator Mr. Adamu Musa. He also called for the establishment of a dedicated task force to receive complaints and ensure swift investigation of reported violations. The National Human Rights Commission’s Nasarawa office expressed support for the police initiative but cautioned against any attempt to use the warning to stifle legitimate criticism or opposition.
The police command’s statement comes at a critical time, as Nasarawa State is preparing for local government elections scheduled for July 2026. The elections, which will determine chairmen and councillors across the state’s 13 local government areas, have already seen intense jockeying among aspirants. Political analysts note that local government polls in Nasarawa have historically been marred by violence, vote buying, and the deployment of thugs. By issuing this warning now, the police appear to be signalling a zero-tolerance approach to electoral misconduct. The Command has also announced that it will collaborate with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other security agencies to ensure a peaceful electoral process. DSP Nansel confirmed that the police have already identified hotspots and will deploy adequate personnel to monitor campaigns, rallies, and polling units.
While the warning targets all political actors, it also implicitly acknowledges the role of social media in spreading falsehood. The command’s Cybercrime Unit has been directed to track and trace the origin of fake news and hate speech circulating on platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and WhatsApp. Offenders, even if not physically present in Nasarawa State, could face extradition to stand trial under Nigerian cyber laws. This aspect of the warning has drawn particular attention, as many political operatives have taken to anonymous social media accounts to launch attacks without fear of identification. The police have assured that technological tools and cooperation with telecom providers will enable them to unmask anonymous offenders.
As the political temperature continues to rise in Nasarawa, the police warning serves as both a deterrent and a promise. Whether it will be effectively enforced remains to be seen. For now, politicians and their supporters have been put on notice: the era of impunity for hate speech and deliberate falsehood may be coming to an end. The Command has urged residents to report any violations through its dedicated emergency lines and has promised that all reports will be treated with confidentiality and acted upon promptly. The coming weeks will test the resolve of the police and the discipline of political actors. One thing is certain: the eyes of the nation are on Nasarawa.
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