Tear down a rival's poster and you could be arrested, police warn

The Nigeria Police Force has warned that anyone caught tearing down, defacing or destroying another candidate's campaign posters or billboards will be arrested and taken to court.

In a statement on Wednesday, police spokesman Ani Iniedu said there had been a rise in attacks on campaign materials across the country since campaigning for the 2027 elections began. He described it as political intolerance and told those involved to stop at once.

He said no person or group has the right to decide whose campaign materials can stay up, and that politicians who hire, encourage or help people to do this will also be held responsible where there is evidence against them.

The police said the act can amount to malicious damage under Section 451 of the Criminal Code and Section 326 of the Penal Code.

Inspector-General Olatunji Disu has directed state commissioners of police and the FCT command to prevent such incidents, investigate reports and make sure suspects are prosecuted. Parties, candidates and supporters were urged to campaign peacefully.