Politics
Deployment of Security Forces for Elections in West Africa Childish – Ghana IGP
Deployment of Security Forces for Elections in West Africa Childish – Ghana IGP
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) in Ghana, George Dampare has flayed West African governments’ heavy dependence on security forces as a condition for peace during elections saying deployment of security forces suggests democracy is not entrenched in the region.
Dampare stated this on Friday during the panel of discussion on “Security Forces and Inclusive, Peaceful Democratic Elections in the ECOWAS Region Consolidation” at the ongoing ECOWAS Parliament High-level Seminar in Winneba, Ghana.
He urged political office contestants in West Africa to accept results at the end of elections to prevent violence that leads to political instability, which also informed such deployment.
The Police Chief warned politicians against holding on to power against all odds, noting that the phenomenon is the major reason for post-election violence which has led to political instability in some countries of the sub-region.
He said: “I will urge politicians in the ECOWAS Sub-region, and you Parliamentarians to always accept results to avoid any form of crisis or violence.
“Holding on to power as if it is do or die, has created a big challenge. Losing elections is not the end of the world.
“It is better to let go of power that will destroy your country because there will always be another opportunity.”
Dampare insisted that all actors involved in the election process have a role to play in ensuring the peaceful and credible conducts of elections, advising them to live up to their responsibilities.
He said: “Electoral Commissions of Member States must conduct credible elections to avoid contestants doubting outcomes and results.”
He added that once all actors carry out their responsibilities and effectively, the deployment of security during elections will not be so necessary.
“All the actors have a role to play for a peaceful election, and they are all aware of their responsibilities.
“If Political parties, candidates, the electoral commissioner and his officers carry it to the later, then we will get to the point that deployment for security during elections becomes irrelevant.
“That will be the point where we will say we have matured as democratic countries and a democratic sub-region.
“But if we keep depending on the security agencies to give you hope for the purpose of ensuring a successful election, then our democracy is still at its infancy.
“We need to get to the point where elections will be held without thinking of security and we will get there,” He said.
The Ghana’s Police Chief also warned against the misuse of social media during elections which he said has become a major trigger to the post-election crisis.
He charged Electoral Commissions to announce results within the shortest time possible to avoid inconsistencies in fake results announcements on social media.
Dampare said that announcements of results on social media makes citizens doubt the integrity of the electoral process when it does not favor them.
“There has always been a challenge especially when it comes to the period of counting, and therefore after the period of counting.
“Then the collation of results at the various constitutional levels and thereafter, the escalation of those constituencies’ results in the national results being aggregated and announced.
“With social media, people start dishing out results that compromise the integrity of the whole election process in the form of fake news if I may use that word.
“That period becomes so critical, and therefore, if there is no clear timeline for the official announcement of results, then the space is given for anybody to fill in anything then apprehension.
Also Read: Amina Mohammed says No Easy Road Ahead of Recovery from…
“Then tension develops to a level that affects the very survival of the country in terms of what is going to happen next.
“So in that context, we also do our best to provide security at that political party’s office, commission and any other place we consider to be vulnerable at that time.
“And ensure that the Electoral Commission does the needful as soon as possible,” Dampare said.
Dampare noted the police continue on policing the state, a month, two months or more, until it is satisfied with the situation, depending on the dynamics of the election.
On his part, the Inspector General of Police in Sierra Leone, Ambrose Sovula suggested that ECOWAS should find a way to regulate the misuse of social media platforms, especially as it relates to the announcement of election results.
Soluva said that social media was designed to bring development but unfortunately, it is being used by some others to destroy.
“This social media thing is being misused; it is being created for us to be developed but today we are using it to destroy the gains we have made.
“We should look at the ECOWAS level to see how this can be addressed. Social media is used as a platform for incitements, ill motivated individuals for political gains.
“Election will be on and social media has announced the result and both parties will be celebrating, and when one result differs from the other, in the end they will dispute the results,” Soluva said.
He urged political office holders to serve their electorates very well to avoid using fraudulent means to hold on to power at all cost.
Sovula said politicians who serve their electorates will always have an express win at the polls without fear.
He also called on the ECOWAS Parliament to make provisions for policing at intra-party politics level, adding that the process of picking candidates at party level comes with some level of crisis.
The IGP also recommended that political rallies should be held as town hall meetings and not on the street with marmot crowds which make policing more difficult.
“You should serve your electorate well so that when it comes time for elections it should not be a do or die issue.
“When you have served your electorate, you do not have to take it by force and at all means.
“Intra-party politics, this can be addressed by this parliament because those in this parliament are responsible to pick their Presidential candidates.
“They will be able to talk to themselves on how such processes will not amount to violence.
“Political party rallies, especially major political parties that attract large crowds, is a challenge, I will recommend town hall meetings rather than taking to the street,” Soluva said.
The ECOWAS Parliament’s High-level meeting is with the theme “Two Decades of Democratic Elections in ECOWAS Member States: Achievements, Challenges and the Way Forward.
The Seminar seeks to make recommendations for new frameworks and mechanisms to improve existing legal, institutional and material frameworks for conducting elections in Member States.
Deployment of Security Forces for Elections in West Africa Childish – Ghana IGP
Adamawa North Senatorial seat: Gov. Fintiri pledges good representation
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa has formally accepted to contest the senatorial seat to represent Adamawa North under the platform of All Progressives Congress APC following clarion calls by stakeholders from the zone.
Fintiri formally accepted the call in Mubi Local Government Area of Adamawa State after serving two terms in office as the governor of the state.
“I accept the call in the name of Allah and since I didn’t fail you as the governor, I promised you that I will not fail you in the Senate”, Fintiri said.
He promised good representation at the senate and to attract people-oriented projects for the development of the zone.
Fintiri called on aspirants to understand that at the end of the primaries only one aspirant would emerge as candidate in various positions.
He called on them to accept the outcome of the primaries and to remain united for the victory of the party, other candidates and President Bola Tinubu.
Fintiri thanked and appreciated the support given to him and called on the youth not to allow themselves to be used by some politicians to destroy their future.
He also drummed support for President Tinubu and all candidates under the platform of APC for more dividends of democracy.
He pledged to canvas for votes to President Bola Tinubu to ensure his re-election in 2027 election.
According to him, it is now time for Nigerians to reap the benefit of the policies and programmes initiated by the Tinubu administration.
He added that the hardship faced by some people would soon be history as the gains of Tinubu’s reforms would secure better dividends of democracy for Nigerians.
In his remarks, Sen. Amos Yohana, who is currently on the seat expressed readiness to support Gov. Fintiri because of the calls by the stakeholders for Fintiri to replace him.
He also contributed the sum of N20 million for the purchase of the aspiration form for Fintiri.
Earlier in his address, Mr Sale Kingiri, one of the stakeholders disclosed that no fewer than 10, 000 people in the zone made a clarion call for Fintiri to contest for senate in view of his capacity.
He said having Fintiri in the Senate was a pride not only for the zone but the nation due to his sterling performance as the governor.
Gov. Fintiri also paid homage to the emir of Mubi, Alhaji Abubakar Ahmadu.
Adamawa North Senatorial seat: Gov. Fintiri pledges good representation
Borno APC Stakeholders Endorse Tinubu, Shettima for 2027, Signal Early Political Realignment
By: Michael Mike
In a move that underscores early political positioning ahead of Nigeria’s next general elections, key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State have formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for a second term in 2027.
The endorsement, announced during a high-level gathering at the Government House Multipurpose Hall in Maiduguri on Saturday, signals a consolidation of political support in one of the APC’s strongest northern bases. Party leaders, government officials, and influential grassroots mobilizers unanimously pledged to rally voters across the state to ensure the continuity of the Tinubu administration.
Addressing the stakeholders, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum described the endorsement as both a vote of confidence in the current administration and a strategic commitment to sustaining ongoing reforms. He emphasized that the Tinubu-Shettima leadership had demonstrated resolve in tackling Nigeria’s complex security and economic challenges.
According to Zulum, Borno State—long at the epicenter of insurgency—has witnessed renewed federal attention in security coordination, humanitarian interventions, and reconstruction efforts. He noted that continuity in leadership would be critical to consolidating these gains, particularly in the North-East where recovery from years of conflict remains fragile.
“The support for President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima is rooted in performance and trust,” Zulum said. “Borno has seen firsthand the impact of leadership that understands our realities and is committed to long-term stability.”
Borno’s Strategic Role in APC Politics
Borno State holds significant political weight within the APC, not only as a consistent electoral stronghold but also as the political base of Vice President Shettima, a former governor of the state. Since the party’s formation in 2013 and its landmark victory in the 2015 elections, Borno has remained central to APC’s dominance in the North-East.
The state’s political influence is further amplified by its frontline status in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency. Years of conflict involving Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents have shaped national security policies and elevated Borno’s importance in federal decision-making. As a result, endorsements from the state often carry symbolic and strategic significance for national campaigns.
Political analysts view the early endorsement as part of a broader effort by APC stakeholders to stabilize internal party structures and project unity well ahead of the 2027 elections. It also reflects a growing trend of pre-election alignments aimed at discouraging intra-party rivalries and consolidating incumbency advantages.
Momentum Builds Toward 2027
Saturday’s declaration comes amid ongoing national debates over economic reforms, security challenges, and governance priorities under the Tinubu administration. While opposition parties are expected to intensify criticism in the coming years, the APC appears to be laying the groundwork for a coordinated re-election campaign.
Stakeholders at the Maiduguri meeting pledged to embark on extensive grassroots mobilization, voter engagement, and party strengthening initiatives across all local government areas in Borno. They also called on other APC-controlled states to replicate similar endorsements to build a nationwide consensus.
As Nigeria moves deeper into its current electoral cycle, the Borno endorsement highlights how regional political blocs are already shaping the contours of the 2027 race—long before official campaigns begin.
Borno APC Stakeholders Endorse Tinubu, Shettima for 2027, Signal Early Political Realignment
Fairness, unity key to victory in 2027, Chieftain tells APC leadership in Adamawa
Abdulrahaman Kwancham, Adamawa Northern Senatorial zone aspirant under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the party leadership in the zone to be fair towards ensuring victory for the party in 2027 General Elections.
Kwancham made the call during a courtesy visit to the party leadership in Mubi-North Local Government Area.
He said fairness and justice would help the party members to remain united and succeed beyond politics.
“We should please remain peaceful and united in APC for the seek of God as well as to shun anti party for the victory of our party”, he said.
He explained that some people were in the party spreading rumours to cause problem between him and Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri because of the seat despite Fintiri is yet to officially declare his intentions to contest.
According to him, he is not desperate in his pursuit of the senatorial seat, despite the several groups coming to urge him to contest.
“If Gov. Fintiri comes out, I am ready to step down considering his outstanding performance in the state.
“Even if you don’t like Fintiri, you know that he has worked for the state and I am not fighting him “, he said.
In his remarks, the party Chairman appreciated the aspirant for the visit and assured a level playing grounds for all.
He assured their readiness to work in accordance with the party guideline for the success of the party.
Kwancham earlier paid homage on the Emir of Mubi, Alhaji Isa Ahmadu who conferred on Kwancham the traditional title of Sarkin Fulani Mubi.
The Emir described the honour as well-deserved, citing Kwancham’s character, leadership qualities, and commitment to humanitarian activities.
Fairness, unity key to victory in 2027, Chieftain tells APC leadership in Adamawa
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist Informant in Borno
Troops Conduct Offensive Operation in Gwoza, Destroy Suspected Terrorist Structures
Troops Dislodge Terrorists in Konduga After Drone-Guided Strike
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
