The newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has vowed that the Nigeria Police Force will maintain strict neutrality in all electoral matters as the nation prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Disu made the commitment after being sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Council Chambers of the State House in Abuja, where he formally assumed office as the 23rd Inspector-General of Police.

In his inaugural meeting with senior police strategists, the IGP stressed that the credibility of future elections and the stability of Nigeria’s democracy depend heavily on the professionalism and impartiality of the police as the lead agency in election security.

“As we approach the 2027 elections, our responsibility to the nation becomes both heightened and non-negotiable,” Disu said.

“The police must be firm in enforcing the law, impartial in its decisions, professional in its conduct, and strictly neutral in all electoral engagements.”

He warned that any officer found compromising neutrality, engaging in electoral misconduct or violating approved rules of engagement would face swift disciplinary action, including prosecution.

“There will be zero tolerance for partisanship or abuse of authority. Any officer who breaches electoral laws or acts outside established guidelines will be held accountable without exception,” he stated.

Disu also assured that the police would secure the electoral process before, during and after the polls, protecting voters, electoral officials and critical infrastructure while upholding democratic values.

He emphasised that crowd control operations would be conducted with restraint and respect for human rights, and that any use of force would be lawful, proportionate and subject to accountability.

While pledging close cooperation with the military and other security agencies, the IGP affirmed that the police would retain leadership responsibility for election security operations.

Beyond electoral matters, Disu highlighted his commitment to internal reforms aimed at restoring public confidence in the force.

He reiterated that misconduct, corruption, extortion, unlawful arrests and abuse of power would not be tolerated.

Key departments such as the Force Provost, Complaints Response Unit and X-Squad, he said, would operate independently and decisively to enforce discipline.

“No officer is above the law,” Disu declared.

The IGP’s strong warning comes amid heightened concerns about security and electoral fairness as Nigeria approaches one of its most significant democratic contests in recent history.