2023: Police Says Presidential Candidates Should Caution Their Supporters

The presidential candidates of the various political parties have been warned by the Nigeria Police to caution their supporters against threat messages ahead of the 2023 elections.

According to the police, any threat to life is a criminal offence and the Electoral Act is also clear on the appropriate punishment prescribed for election-related crimes.

The warning comes amid the heated exchange between the supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, and the Labour Party flag bearer, Peter Obi.

Speaking in an interview with Punch on Sunday, the police spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated that anyone who has been threatened should report to the police for appropriate action.

“Threats to life is a criminal offence, and everyone has the right to take up cases against anyone who threatens their life or engages in an act capable of making their life precarious, or causing a problem in the country.

"Hence, whosoever feels threatened is at liberty to approach the police formally, for necessary action.

“The Electoral Act is clear on electoral offences and appropriate punishments.

"Also, our criminal laws can be applied in handling election-related crises. We have our laws and we are duty-bound to enforce them at all times.

“While we urge all political actors to be law-abiding and desist from violating the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, we will always engage relevant stakeholders, especially politicians, in deliberations, from time to time, on how to have a seamless exercise in 2023", he said.