The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has rejected claims that security agencies play a role in rigging elections, describing such accusations as “baseless” and “unfair.”
Naijaonpoint reports that Egbetokun, represented by the Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory, Adewale Ajao, made this known on Monday at the third National Democracy Stakeholders Summit held in Abuja.
Addressing lingering concerns from the 2023 general elections, Egbetokun said the Nigeria Police Force has no involvement in determining electoral outcomes.
He said, “The idea that the police are involved in rigging is pure imagination.
“We are not partisans—we are not umpires. We don’t count votes; we only monitor the process while INEC does the collation.”
He stressed that the police remain neutral and are committed to supporting democracy through professionalism, training, and inter-agency collaboration.
His remarks come amid ongoing controversies surrounding the 2023 elections, in which the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties have accused one another of electoral malpractice.
Naijaonpoint had reported that President Bola Tinubu won the election with 8,794,726 votes, defeating Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (6,984,520 votes) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (6,101,533 votes).
Both Atiku and Obi rejected the results, alleging widespread rigging, violence, and voter suppression during post-election briefings.
Arming Citizens Not The Solution – IGP Warns
Egbetokun also weighed in on the growing calls for Nigerians to be allowed to bear arms in self-defence.
He warned, “You can’t solve violence with violence. The solution lies in dialogue, tolerance, and mutual surveillance.
“Armed citizenry will only compound our security challenges. Nigeria must learn from other nations where such policies failed.”
He maintained that addressing insecurity requires collaboration between citizens, government agencies, and communities, not more weapons on the streets.
In his address at the summit, the Chairman of the Proponent Council of the Nigeria Democracy Stakeholders Group, Kletsaint Akor, said the legitimacy of Nigeria’s democracy hinges on credible elections.
“Elections are not endpoints; they are entry points. Without electoral legitimacy, governance becomes performative rather than productive,” Akor said.
He acknowledged the introduction of BVAS and electronic result transmission as positive steps but said their flawed implementation in 2023 weakened public trust.
“We must institutionalise reforms—granting INEC funding autonomy, ensuring transparent appointment of commissioners, and enforcing consequences for malpractice,” he added.
Representing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Permanent Secretary for Economic and Political Affairs, Nadungu Gagare, said President Tinubu’s government deserves commendation for reform efforts despite tough economic challenges.
He said, “In just two years, this administration has prioritised reforms across critical sectors. These interventions are laying the foundation for long-term national stability and inclusive growth.”