Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has strongly dismissed allegations that security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police, play a role in manipulating election results. Speaking at the third National Democracy Stakeholders Summit in Abuja on Monday, Egbetokun described such claims as baseless and a disservice to the institution.
Represented by the Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory, Adewale Ajao, the police chief reiterated that law enforcement officers are not election umpires and are never involved in vote collation.
“The idea that the police are involved in rigging is pure imagination,” he said. “We are not partisans—we are not umpires. We don’t count votes; we only monitor the process while INEC does the collation.”
Egbetokun’s comments come amid lingering controversy following the 2023 general elections, where political actors across the divide accused various stakeholders of aiding electoral malpractice.
He stressed the police’s commitment to neutrality and professionalism during elections, citing renewed inter-agency cooperation and capacity-building initiatives as key to enhancing credibility.
“We have renewed synergy with INEC, civil society organisations, and the media. Our officers are undergoing continuous training to align with democratic standards. The results are becoming visible in recent off-cycle elections,” he added.
‘Arming Citizens Will Worsen Insecurity’
On the issue of rising insecurity, the IGP cautioned against calls for the Federal Government to legalise civilian ownership of firearms. Egbetokun argued that such a move would escalate violence and undermine national security.
“You can’t solve violence with violence,” he warned. “The solution lies in dialogue, tolerance, and mutual surveillance. Armed citizenry will only compound our security challenges.”
He pointed to global case studies where increased gun ownership failed to address insecurity, urging Nigeria to prioritise collaboration over confrontation.
“Insecurity is a global crisis, and Nigeria is having its fair share. The answer is not more weapons on the streets but more intelligence sharing and trust-building,” he said.
Stakeholders Demand Electoral Reforms
Also speaking at the summit, Chairman of the Proponent Council of the Nigeria Democracy Stakeholders Group, Dr. Kletsaint Akor, warned that democracy in Nigeria remains fragile without electoral legitimacy.
He noted that while technology tools such as BVAS and electronic result transmission were introduced to bolster transparency, inconsistent implementation during the 2023 elections undermined public confidence.
“Elections are not endpoints; they are entry points,” Akor said. “Without electoral legitimacy, governance becomes performative rather than productive. We must institutionalise reforms, including financial autonomy for INEC, transparent commissioner appointments, and strict accountability for malpractice.”
SGF Lauds Tinubu’s Reforms
Meanwhile, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, commended the Tinubu administration’s reform agenda, describing it as a bold effort to stabilise the nation despite economic headwinds.
Represented by Nadungu Gagare, Permanent Secretary for Economic and Political Affairs, Akume said the government’s mid-term review must be seen as a tool of accountability, not just a ceremonial exercise.
“In just two years, this administration has prioritised reforms across critical sectors. These interventions are laying the groundwork for long-term national stability and inclusive growth,” he said.
The summit brought together government officials, civil society groups, security agencies, and electoral stakeholders to deliberate on deepening democratic governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.