Concerned about the rising attacks and destruction of posters and billboards belonging to opposition political parties in some states, the police have warned governing parties and persons perpetrating the act to desist from doing so or face arrest and prosecution.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, pointed out that defacing posters and destroying billboards were criminal. He called on candidates and political parties to rein in their supporters.
About 99 days to the 2023 elections, our correspondents across the states reported that vandalism of campaign billboards and posters, especially those of respective opposition parties, was on the increase with some instances leading to confrontations and violence.
The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, said he had received reports of governors encouraging political thugs and sub-national security outfits under their control to disrupt the campaigns of other parties and vandalise billboards.
The National Peace Committee on Tuesday said the conduct of some political actors had been disappointing.
In a release signed by its chairman, General Abdusalami Abubakar (retd.); the convener, Revd Matthew Kukah; and head of secretariat, Dr Atta Barkindo, the committee called for a level playing field for all parties in the course of the campaigns.
The release, titled ‘Towards peaceful election campaigns: Our concerns’ added, “It is morally wrong to abuse the power of incumbency by subverting the efforts of those who are in opposition to the status quo.”
In an interview with one of our correspondents, however, the Force PRO said, “It is a criminal offence under the criminal and penal codes and the Electoral Act (2022) to tear or destroy campaign posters or billboards. The police frown upon this act as it is barbaric and poor sportsmanship.
“Candidates should urge their supporters to desist from such, as anyone found wanting will be prosecuted. There’s usually some difficulty in arresting the perpetrators because they usually carry out such illegal activities at night, but anyone caught will be prosecuted and this is a warning to such individuals, groups or parties.”
