The commissioner of police in Kaduna State, Yekini Ayoku, has cautioned all the governorship candidates in the state against the use of thugs and engaging in violence during campaigns.
The commissioner vowed to deal with anybody found to be using non-state security actors during campaigns in the state.
He gave the warning while addressing political parties’ leaders and governorship candidates.
He said that for the avoidance of doubt and the sake of emphasis, the Electoral Act 2022, especially in sections 92 to 97 prohibited and criminalised a number of conducts, especially the use of weapons at rallies.
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“Engagement of non-state security outfits for campaigns, rallies and other activities in the electoral process is not allowed. It is an offence to bear or use weapons such as dane guns, swords, daggers, bows, arrows and other dangerous weapons at campaign venues.
“For the umpteenth time, parties and candidates are warned against the use of thugs and other miscreants in the electoral process. This is just as you are strongly advised to base your campaigns strictly on issues, bearing in mind that politics is essentially a contest of ideas,” he said.
He also warned against violence, incitement and hate speech, as well as removing and defacing opponents’ posters and banners.
A total of 14 governorship candidates and some senatorial candidates attended the meeting, where some candidates raised concerns on the comments by their opponents, especially the ruling party.
