Ekiti State Police warn politicians and loyalists in Ado Ekiti as campaign violence threatens governorship election ahead of June 20 polls

As political activities pick up ahead of the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, the police have stepped in with a clear warning to politicians and their supporters.

The message is simple: keep things peaceful or face the consequences.

The warning comes amid growing concern that early campaign enthusiasm is already slipping into misconduct, especially involving destruction of campaign materials across parts of the state.

Police Accuse Party Loyalists of Defacing Campaign Materials

According to the Ekiti State Police Command, some individuals suspected to be political loyalists have been going around tearing down and vandalising posters and billboards belonging to rival parties.

The command described the behaviour as troubling and unnecessary, especially at a time when political competition is expected to remain civil and within legal limits.

Police spokesperson Sunday Abutu said the command has observed these incidents “with dismay,” stressing that such acts are not only unethical but also illegal under Nigerian electoral laws.

Electoral Laws and Legal Consequences Highlighted

The police made it clear that destroying campaign materials is not just bad behaviour—it is a criminal offence.

Abutu explained that the action violates the Electoral Act and also goes against constitutional protections around freedom of expression.

In simple terms, every political group has the right to present itself without intimidation or sabotage.

Authorities warned that anyone caught engaging in such acts will face strict legal consequences, without exceptions.

Commissioner of Police Calls for Calm and Responsibility

The Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Michael Falade, urged residents to stay calm and act responsibly as the election approaches.

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He encouraged citizens to be vigilant and report suspicious or violent behaviour early, rather than allow tensions to escalate.

According to him, peaceful participation is the only way to ensure a credible electoral process.

Falade also appealed directly to politicians to guide their supporters and avoid inflaming the situation through careless or aggressive campaigning.

Growing Concern Over Youth Involvement in Political Violence

Security concerns in Nigerian elections often revolve around the involvement of young supporters who are sometimes mobilised for disruptive activities.

The police warning indirectly touched on this issue, urging parents and guardians to discourage their children from being used as tools for political violence or intimidation.

This concern is not new. In past elections across several states, youth involvement in campaign-related violence has been a recurring challenge for security agencies.

Emergency Contact Released for Public Safety

To help manage potential incidents, the police also released an emergency contact number—08062335577—encouraging residents to report any activity that could threaten peace or public order.

Impact and Consequences

The immediate impact of the police warning is a tightening of security awareness across Ekiti State as campaigns intensify.

Political parties are now under pressure to better control their supporters to avoid legal trouble.

It also sends a strong deterrent message: even minor acts like tearing posters are being treated seriously under electoral law enforcement.

If ignored, such tensions could escalate into broader confrontations, especially as election day draws closer and political competition becomes more intense.

What’s Next?

In the coming weeks, security presence is expected to increase around campaign events and hotspots across Ekiti State.

Political parties will likely be urged again in stakeholder meetings to sign peace agreements or reaffirm commitments to non-violence.

Meanwhile, police monitoring of campaign activities—both offline and online—is expected to intensify as authorities try to prevent early escalation of election-related conflict.

Summary

The Ekiti State Police Command has issued a firm warning to politicians and supporters ahead of the June 20 governorship election, condemning the destruction of campaign posters and billboards.

Authorities say such actions violate electoral laws and will be met with strict punishment.

The police are urging peaceful conduct, public vigilance, and responsible campaigning to ensure a credible and violence-free election process.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Ekiti Police warn politicians and supporters against election-related violence
• Campaign posters and billboards are being reportedly destroyed in some areas
• Police say such acts violate the Electoral Act and Nigerian Constitution
• Offenders will face strict legal consequences
• Commissioner of Police urges peaceful and responsible campaigning
• Parents are advised to stop youths from being used for political violence
• Emergency police contact number released: 08062335577
• Security monitoring is expected to increase as election day approaches