Lagos Police Commissioner warns against political violence ahead of 2027 elections

Lagos State Commissioner of Police Fatai Tijani has called on transport unions and youths to reject political violence and digital thuggery ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking during the inauguration of the National Campaign Against Political and Digital Thuggery and a Police-Youth Dialogue in Ikeja, Tijani addressed the role of various stakeholders in maintaining regional stability.

Tijani urged the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) to ensure that motor parks and garages are not utilized for political violence. He noted that while some perceive transport unions as being associated with intimidation, many members are law-abiding citizens, and he tasked union leaders with disciplining members to protect the reputation of their organizations.

Addressing the youth, the Commissioner warned against being exploited by politicians for violence or the spread of misinformation. He specifically highlighted the dangers of digital thuggery, defined as using social media to harass, intimidate, or incite violence. Tijani encouraged young people to use digital platforms for economic and community building rather than for spreading falsehoods or disrupting the electoral process.