2027 Elections: Kano Police Assure Robust Security, Warn Against Fake News

The Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, has assured residents of robust security before, during and after the 2027 general elections, urging media practitioners and information officers to combat fake news, misinformation and electoral disinformation.

Bakori gave the assurance on Saturday, October 17, 2026, while speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Kano State Chapter, held at Tahir Guest Palace, Kano.

The AGM, themed “Managing Election Results: The Role of Information Officers,” brought together public relations professionals, security officials, government representatives and other stakeholders to discuss the role of responsible communication in ensuring peaceful and credible elections.

According to statement by CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, Police Public Relations Officer, the commissioner described the theme as timely and strategic ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that effective information management is essential to maintaining public confidence and preventing electoral violence.

According to him, elections should be viewed as a continuous process rather than a single event, with information playing a critical role in shaping public perception and maintaining peace.

“Mismanaged information breeds rumour, incites violence and undermines public trust. Well-managed information, on the other hand, builds confidence, promotes peace and strengthens democracy,” Bakori said.

Bakori challenged information officers to go beyond the routine dissemination of press releases, describing them as important gatekeepers of truth and the first line of defence against misinformation, disinformation and fake news.

He noted that the responsible handling of election-related information is particularly important during the collation and announcement of results, when unverified reports and misleading claims could heighten tension.

The commissioner urged participants to adopt clear and ethical communication frameworks for managing election results, prioritising accuracy over speed, responsibility over sensationalism, and national interest over personal or partisan interests.

On security preparations, Bakori said the Kano State Police Command would establish a robust security framework in line with the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to ensure a professional, people-oriented and intelligence-driven police force.

He disclosed that the command had commenced stakeholder engagements, training and public sensitisation programmes involving youth groups, political actors and media practitioners.

According to him, the police would also sustain intelligence-led operations and strengthen collaboration with other security agencies to address potential threats, including hate speech, political thuggery, fake news and other forms of communication capable of undermining public peace.

The commissioner reiterated the importance of cooperation among security agencies, electoral authorities, government institutions and the media in preventing violence and maintaining public order throughout the electoral process.

Earlier, Professor Sule Yau Sule, FNIPR, FNGE, delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the responsibilities of information officers in managing election results and emphasising the need for professionalism, ethical conduct and commitment to the national interest.

A lead paper on the AGM’s theme was presented by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director-General of the Media and Publicity Directorate, Government House, Kano. He was represented by the Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Mustafa Mohammed.

The presentation examined ethical communication practices and the need to counter misinformation that could trigger electoral tension or violence.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kano State, Ambassador Zango Abdu, also delivered a goodwill message, assuring participants of the commission’s preparedness for the 2027 elections.

Abdu said INEC was committed to conducting free, fair, credible and transparent elections through improved technology and sustained engagement with relevant stakeholders.

The AGM featured discussions on election communication and the responsibilities of information officers, with participants emphasising stronger collaboration among security agencies, INEC, government institutions and media organisations to promote peaceful elections.

The event comes as stakeholders intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with responsible information management and public trust expected to remain important issues throughout the electoral process.