Assistant Commissioner of Police, Kabiru Ibrahim, responsible for operations in the Cross River State Police Command, has affirmed their backing for the creation of an Electoral Offences Commission. He represented the State Commissioner of Police, Gyogon Grimah, at a town hall meeting in Calabar focused on electoral reforms.

Ibrahim stated that the commission would complement the efforts of the police in strengthening electoral processes across the country. While the police can apprehend offenders at polling stations, they acknowledge their limitations in dealing with electoral offences comprehensively. Therefore, they emphasize the need for collaboration between the police, allied agencies, and stakeholders to effectively curb electoral crimes.

Highlighting the role of the police as the primary internal security agency, Ibrahim underscored the importance of closer cooperation between electoral agencies and all parties involved in elections. He assured that the police would continue to contribute to a secure and credible electoral process, drawing lessons from the 2023 general elections. Additionally, he expressed openness to the establishment of a commission dedicated to handling electoral offences.

During the event, Ezenwa Nwagwu, the executive director of Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), urged Nigerians to familiarize themselves with the laws governing elections in the country. He emphasized the significance of understanding and adhering to the Electoral Act, which was signed into law last year.

Another participant, Inyang Ifobo, a lawyer, suggested the possibility of further amendments to the act in preparation for the upcoming 2027 general election.

Mr Ibor Otu, the State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), expressed the agency’s commitment to sensitizing Nigerians about the electoral process. He lamented the lack of adequate funding as a major challenge faced by the agency.