By SCM Reporter, Tuesday, Sept.22, 2026
OWERRI, Imo – Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has challenged the Nigeria Police Force to approach the upcoming 2027 general elections with absolute professionalism, strict political neutrality, and a deep understanding of today’s evolving security realities.
Addressing top law enforcement leadership in Owerri at the 6th Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO 2026), Governor Uzodimma emphasized that credible elections depend entirely on the ability of citizens to exercise their civic rights without fear of harassment, political thuggery, or institutional bias.
According to the governor, ensuring that voters participate freely without fear or unnecessary interference remains the bedrock of democratic legitimacy.
”The integrity of any election begins with the assurance that citizens can participate without fear, intimidation, or unnecessary interference,” Uzodimma stated.
Protecting the Democratic Process
During his address at the high-level retreat, Governor Uzodimma outlined the operational boundaries expected of security personnel as the nation prepares for the 2027 ballot. He tasked the Force with safeguarding political rallies, protecting sensitive electoral materials, and guaranteeing the safety of voters across all political divides.
Crucially, he warned that security agencies must guard against becoming partisan participants in electoral rivalries.
”The Police must protect rallies, electoral materials, and citizens without becoming part of the political contest, recognising that even a careless action can undermine public confidence,” he noted.
Uzodimma further urged the police high command to ensure that the strategic outcomes and operational knowledge acquired during the retreat do not remain confined to senior officers. He stressed the necessity of stepping down these capacity-building modules to the rank and file on the frontlines.
The Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO) is the primary strategic platform for the high command of the Nigeria Police Force. Bringing together Commissioners of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs), and Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs), CARSPO 2026 took place in Owerri, Imo State, under the central theme of establishing early operational frameworks for election security ahead of the 2027 polls.
The retreat featured high-level policy discussions on intelligence-led policing, digital technologies, inter-agency operational harmony, and public trust management.
At the event, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu unveiled the Force’s strategic roadmap for the 2027 elections. The framework focuses on early warning intelligence systems, capacity building, inter-agency collaboration, and direct disciplinary measures against officers found colluding with political actors or violating neutrality.
The call for heightened police neutrality comes as civil society organizations and electoral observers intensify demands for security sector reforms in Nigeria. Over past electoral cycles, public confidence has occasionally been shaken by allegations of security overreach, selective enforcement, and voter suppression—issues Governor Uzodimma urged officers to decisively eliminate before 2027.
