We're Not Involved in Nigeria's Election Rigging, Says IG

Annabel Adaeze 

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has firmly denied allegations that the Nigeria Police Force is involved in rigging elections, describing such claims as unfounded and misleading.

Speaking at the third National Democracy Stakeholders Summit held on Monday in Abuja, the IGP, represented by the FCT Commissioner of Police, Adewale Ajao, maintained that the role of the police during elections is strictly to ensure order and provide security, not to interfere in the electoral process.

“The notion that the police are involved in election rigging is purely fictitious. We are not umpires; we don’t count votes.

"Our mandate is to safeguard the process while INEC handles collation and declaration,” Egbetokun said.

The comments come amid lingering controversy over the conduct of the 2023 general elections, with both the ruling All Progressives Congress and opposition parties accusing each other and various institutions of electoral malpractice.

Egbetokun noted that the Force is investing in professionalism and reform through inter-agency collaboration and continuous training of personnel.

“We have strengthened synergy with INEC, civil society, and the media. Our officers are undergoing regular training to uphold democratic values.

"The impact of this is already visible in recent off-cycle elections,” he added.

Addressing a growing debate on whether Nigerians should be allowed to bear arms for self-defense, the police chief cautioned that such a policy would worsen insecurity rather than reduce it.

“We cannot solve violence with more violence. The path forward is dialogue, tolerance, and collaborative vigilance. Arming citizens will only deepen our security crisis,” he warned.

Egbetokun stressed the need to learn from countries where widespread gun ownership has failed to curb violence, urging Nigerians to trust in collective security measures.

“Insecurity is a global challenge, and Nigeria is not exempt. But the solution lies in unity and smart policing—not flooding our streets with weapons,” he concluded.

Chairman of the Proponent Council of the Nigeria Democracy Stakeholders Group, Dr. Kletsaint Akor, stressed the importance of electoral credibility, noting that the 2023 polls exposed significant lapses despite the adoption of technologies like BVAS and electronic transmission of results.

“Elections must serve as legitimate entry points into governance. Without credible polls, democracy loses its essence,” he said.

He called for far-reaching reforms, including financial autonomy for INEC, transparent selection of election commissioners, and stringent penalties for electoral offenders.

Also speaking at the summit, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, through his representative, Nadungu Gagare, hailed President Tinubu’s administration for undertaking critical reforms despite economic pressures.

“This administration is laying the foundation for long-term stability through strategic interventions across various sectors,” Akume stated.

He encouraged citizens to view the mid-term review not as a mere formality, but as an opportunity for public accountability and democratic deepening.