Inspector-General of Police Usman Alkali Baba has issued a warning about an ongoing plot to disrupt the transfer of power on May 29 in Nigeria. During a news conference in Abuja, he revealed that the individuals behind this plot are described as “political actors” and “subversive elements and their foot soldiers.” The Inspector-General emphasized that such plots will be crushed through collaboration with other security and intelligence agencies. This recent warning follows a similar one from the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) and the Department of State Services (DSS).
May 29 marks the scheduled inauguration of President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who emerged victorious in the February 25 poll. However, his victory is being challenged by three candidates in court. In addition to the legal proceedings, there have been inflammatory remarks made by individuals who feel aggrieved due to their preferred candidate’s loss. The election is widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history.
The Inspector-General stressed that the police and the intelligence community cannot stand idly by while subversive agendas, political radicalism, and extremism threaten to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power. He affirmed that the May 29 date and other inauguration ceremonies at national and state levels are sacrosanct. At this crucial stage of democratic transition, maintaining peace and security in Nigeria is of paramount importance.
The police, in close coordination with other security agencies and the intelligence community, will closely monitor the activities of these political elements. The Inspector-General issued a stern warning to all political actors with subversive agendas and their collaborators, urging them to abandon any attempts to create tension and derail the presidential inauguration ceremony. He made it clear that those who engage in actions detrimental to Nigeria’s democratic and security interests will face the full force of the law.
The Inspector-General called on Nigerians to be cautious of political elements aiming to manipulate their passions and advance undemocratic and unconstitutional objectives. He encouraged citizens to carry on with their lawful activities and actively participate in the inauguration ceremonies. The police have taken measures to ensure the protection of citizens and urged prompt reporting of any attempts by misguided political elements to infiltrate and incite political tension.
In addition, the Inspector-General appealed to the international community not to be swayed by false red flags raised by unpatriotic political actors through social media. He assured that Nigeria’s democracy remains on course, and the presidential inauguration will proceed as scheduled under a peaceful atmosphere. The media was also urged to be wary of the intentions of political gladiators and refrain from aiding their destabilization plots. Upholding Nigeria’s national interests above personal or group interests is crucial for the country’s progress.