ABUJA — The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu has warned Nigerian youths against being recruited into electoral violence, saying no election or political ambition is worth a young Nigerian’s life or future. Speaking at the National Youth Leadership and Security Dialogue organized by the Nigeria Police Force to mark International Youth Day 2026 under the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” and the campaign “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery,” the IGP said youths bear the worst consequences of political violence. “No political office is worth your life. No politician’s ambition is worth destroying your future. No political party is worth turning your community into a battlefield,” he stated.
The IGP also appealed directly to political actors to stop using young people as instruments of violence. “Do not recruit our young people to fight your political battles. Do not arm them. Do not finance violence. Do not incite them against their fellow citizens,” he said. He reaffirmed that the Nigeria Police Force respects the constitutional right to peaceful political participation, campaigning and expression. The Police, he assured, will protect citizens, secure campaign venues and safeguard the electoral environment, but will not tolerate recruitment of youths for violence, voter intimidation, use of weapons in elections, or destruction of property.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 electoral cycle, IGP Disu urged young Nigerians to choose peace, education, entrepreneurship, technology and leadership over short-term political gains. He challenged them to ask: “Did you destroy, or did you build? Did you fight for politicians, or did you fight for your future?” The IGP expressed hope that this generation will be remembered for choosing peace over violence and democracy over manipulation. “NO ELECTION IS WORTH YOUR LIFE. NO POLITICIAN IS WORTH YOUR FUTURE. NO POLITICAL AMBITION IS WORTH DESTROYING NIGERIA,” he concluded, calling on parents, community leaders and civil society to join the campaign to protect youths.
