Absence of Nigeria Police in Elections: A Catalyst for Peaceful Voting, As Proven by the Rivers State Local Government Polls

The conduct of elections in Nigeria has long been synonymous with violence, rigging, and other unlawful activities. For decades, the presence of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) at polling units has been hailed as a necessary measure to maintain order and protect the democratic process. Security of elections has become one key raison d’etre for
the conduct of elections in emerging democracies, particularly in Nigeria, to ensure its credibility, of which the police organisation is central (Afolabi, 2018). However, recent developments in the ongoing Rivers State local government elections have provided compelling evidence to the contrary. As researcher, I dare to submit that these elections, conducted without the presence of the NPF, have shown a remarkably peaceful and orderly process, with 88% of incidents free from violence or disruptions of incidents. My submission was based on phone conversations (qualitative and qualitative research) with independent observers on the spot. This begs the question: Is the Nigeria Police Force an asset or a liability in the prosecution of elections?

The Rivers State Election: A Case for Reform

In many past elections, the Nigeria Police Force has played a prominent role in securing polling units. However, this role has been marred by accusations of complicity in electoral fraud, rigging, and the intimidation of voters. Instances where police officers allegedly colluded with political actors to influence election outcomes are well-documented, making the force a controversial figure in electioneering processes. You can get more of this from states like Edo 2024, Anambra 2022, & Lagos 2023 election petitions.

In the ongoing Rivers State local government elections, however, a significant departure from this norm occurred. The elections, largely conducted in the absence of the police presence, have been described as one of the most peaceful in recent history, with 88% of polling units experiencing no violence or irregularities. Election is going on peacefully without security men, but the election is calm. This election decides who governs the people at the grassroots leve (Emeka Beke, 2024). This sharp contrast with previous elections indicates that the absence of the NPF may, in fact, be a major factor contributing to the peaceful atmosphere.

Police Complicity in Election Malpractices

The argument that the Nigeria Police Force contributes more to electoral problems than solutions is not unfounded. Reports from past elections frequently highlighted instances where police officers were either passive or active participants in electoral misconduct. From turning a blind eye to voter intimidation to aiding the snatching of ballot boxes, the NPF has often been seen as part of the problem rather than the solution. Failure of the police to respond to voter intimidation in the buildup to the state elections emboldened political thuggery and election violence that permeated the governorship election in Nigeria (in the Arena, 2023).

The Rivers State election has given credence to this argument. With reduced police involvement, voters were able to exercise their civic duties without fear of intimidation or violence. The absence of security agents who are prone to being used by desperate politicians created an atmosphere where the will of the people could be freely expressed.

A Call for Legislative Reform

The peaceful conduct of the Rivers State elections should serve as a wake-up call to the National Assembly. The over-reliance on the Nigeria Police Force as the sole security agency or most significant actor in election duties is a flawed strategy that has historically contributed to the problems it was meant to solve. It is time to reconsider this approach and make the use of security forces during elections more fluid and discretionary.

The National Assembly should introduce reforms that allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to utilize a range of security agencies, including civil defense forces, community vigilante groups, and even private security, depending on the specific needs of each election. This diversification of security agencies will reduce the overconcentration of power in the hands of the Nigeria Police Force, making it harder for any single entity to hijack the electoral process.

The Political Class Thrives Without the Police

The peaceful outcome of the Rivers State elections also highlights another important point: Politicians do not need the Nigeria Police Force to conduct credible elections. In fact, the absence of the police may actually empower the political class to work better, as seen in Rivers State, where candidates and political parties were able to campaign and participate in elections without fear of police interference.

The idea that the presence of the police is essential for the smooth conduct of elections has been debunked. The Rivers State experience demonstrates that elections can be peaceful, transparent, and credible without the overbearing presence of the NPF. Politicians can focus on engaging voters, presenting their manifestos, and securing votes based on merit rather than relying on the police to tilt the balance in their favour.

Conclusion and Recommendation

The role of the Nigeria Police Force in elections has been a subject of debate for years, and the recent Rivers State local government elections provide clear evidence that the NPF is not only unnecessary for the conduct of peaceful elections but may actually be a source of the violence and rigging that have plagued Nigerian elections for decades.

The National Assembly should act swiftly to introduce reforms that reduce the dependency on the NPF for election security. By allowing INEC to choose from a pool of security agencies based on the unique needs of each election, Nigeria can move towards a more peaceful and credible electoral process. The usefulness of the Nigeria Police Force in election prosecution has proven to be a misfortune to politicians and the democratic process at large. The Rivers State election stands as proof that Nigeria’s political class can thrive without the presence of the police, and the nation must embrace this new reality.

Tola O. Ajemisogbe is a Strategic Management Researcher at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, and Member of the PDP, Warri North of Delta State.