The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, gave the assurance on Thursday, October 8, 2026, during a political and stakeholders' security meeting held at the Police Officers' Mess on Moore Road, Calabar.
The meeting brought together the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Cross River State, Prof. G. O. Yomere, representatives of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party, security agencies, youth organisations, traditional and religious leaders, community representatives and members of the media.
Addressing the participants, Ordue said the command remained committed to protecting lawful political activities without discrimination against any party or candidate.
The police commissioner urged political parties to inform the relevant Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) ahead of their campaigns, rallies and other political engagements to enable the command to plan and deploy adequate security personnel.
He also called on political leaders and candidates to conduct issue-based campaigns, warning against inflammatory statements, mudslinging and political rhetoric that could provoke violence.
Ordue stressed that maintaining peace before, during and after the elections was a collective responsibility that required the cooperation of political parties, security agencies, community leaders, religious institutions and young people.
The commissioner also condemned the reported obstruction of a political party's campaign activities along the Calabar South axis on October 2, 2026, allegedly by hoodlums.
He warned that assault, harassment and obstruction of lawful political activities would not be tolerated, adding that the command would take appropriate measures within the law to prevent a recurrence.
The police chief further called for stronger cooperation among the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, security agencies, local government authorities, youth organisations and other stakeholders to improve election security planning and response.
He urged residents and political stakeholders to report credible security information through appropriate channels and avoid spreading misinformation capable of heightening tension.
Ordue also recalled the command's August 21, 2026, walkathon and police-youth dialogue, organised under the theme, “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery.”
The initiative was aimed at sensitising young people against political violence, electoral thuggery, misinformation, digital manipulation and exploitation by political actors, while encouraging responsible participation in the democratic process.
The Cross River State Police Command reiterated its commitment to professionalism, impartiality and the protection of citizens and residents throughout the electoral period.
The command called on political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to work together to ensure peaceful and orderly political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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