IGP Egbetokun Breaks Silence On Rigging Claims, Sounds Alarm Over Citizens Bearing Arms

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has firmly denied accusations that security agencies are complicit in election rigging, describing such claims as “unfounded” and “unjust.” This clarification was conveyed by the Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory, Adewale Ajao, during the third National Democracy Stakeholders Summit in Abuja on Monday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

While addressing concerns that have persisted since the 2023 general elections, Egbetokun emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force does not influence election results.

“The notion that the police engage in election rigging is purely fictitious,” Egbetokun said. “We are neither political actors nor electoral umpires. We do not tally votes; our duty is limited to monitoring the process while INEC oversees collation.”

He reiterated the police force’s commitment to neutrality and the safeguarding of democracy, adding that this is achieved through continuous training, professionalism, and cooperation with other agencies.

His comments come amid lingering disputes over the 2023 polls, in which both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties traded accusations of election fraud. President Bola Tinubu was declared the winner with 8,794,726 votes, ahead of PDP’s Atiku Abubakar (6,984,520) and LP’s Peter Obi (6,101,533), both of whom rejected the outcome, citing widespread irregularities, voter intimidation, and manipulation.

IGP Warns Against Civilian Armament

Addressing increasing demands for Nigerians to bear arms for self-defence, Egbetokun cautioned that such measures would only worsen insecurity.

“Violence cannot be resolved with more violence,” he said. “The answer lies in dialogue, tolerance, and collaborative vigilance. Arming citizens will only escalate our security problems. Other countries have tried this and failed—Nigeria must not follow that path.”

He advocated for stronger partnerships between the public, security forces, and local communities as the most effective way to combat insecurity.

Democracy Demands Credible Elections, Stakeholders Say

Also speaking at the summit, Kletsaint Akor, Chairman of the Proponent Council of the Nigeria Democracy Stakeholders Group, emphasized that credible elections are essential for legitimate governance.

“Elections are not the destination; they are the gateway to governance. Without legitimacy, governance lacks impact,” Akor stated.

He acknowledged reforms such as BVAS and electronic result transmission but criticized their poor implementation in the 2023 elections, which, he said, eroded public trust.

Akor called for institutionalized reforms, including INEC’s financial independence, transparent appointment of commissioners, and strict accountability for electoral offences.

Representing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the Permanent Secretary for Economic and Political Affairs, Nadungu Gagare, praised the Tinubu administration’s reform agenda, despite economic challenges.

“In just two years, this government has prioritized reforms across vital sectors, setting the stage for long-term growth and national stability,” Gagare said.

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