The Ekiti State Police Command has warned political party supporters against the destruction and defacing of campaign posters and billboards ahead of the governorship election in the state.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, said the command had observed with concern the activities of suspected political party loyalists engaging in such acts.
Abutu described the destruction of campaign materials as a violation of the Electoral Act and an infringement on the right to freedom of expression as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He said the command would not tolerate any act capable of disrupting the peaceful atmosphere in the state, warning that offenders would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“The command wishes to state emphatically that the destruction of banners and billboards belonging to political parties is unlawful and morally unjustifiable,” he said.
He advised politicians to conduct their activities in line with electoral guidelines and urged them to caution their supporters against engaging in acts that could lead to violence or disorder.
The police spokesman also appealed to parents and guardians to discourage their children and wards from being used by unscrupulous politicians to perpetrate unlawful acts.
According to him, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Falade Adegoroye Michael, urged residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious activities to security agencies.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful, free, and credible electoral process in the state.
Abutu provided an emergency contact number, 08062335577, for members of the public to report incidents.
