While some governors should be commended for allowing opposition parties to conduct their activities freely, there are complaints about others, according to Baba.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba, has stated that no state governor will be allowed to prevent opposition political parties from holding rallies in their respective states.
This was stated by the IGP on Wednesday during the 2022 political parties summit in Abuja.
The IGP, who was represented by Dandaura Mustapha, deputy inspector-general of police (DIG) operations, stated that state commissioners had been directed to ensure that all parties have an opportunity to campaign.
While some governors should be commended for allowing opposition parties to conduct their activities freely, there are complaints about others, according to Baba.
He said, “Unfortunately, some of the governors are not helping matters. They have not laid the foundation to give other political parties access to their campaign avenues.
“Some try to manipulate the campaigns. Some even sponsor thugs to pursue the opposition, remove their billboards, remove their posters and destroy their offices. We are aware and we have full reports.
“Based on this, the IG has categorically directed all commissioners of police that on no account should any serving or sitting governor stop other political parties from conducting their campaigns in the nooks and crannies of their states.”
Meanwhile, the Federal Government on Thursday warned governors against using of thugs and other elements to prevent the opposition from holding political campaigns in their States.
The National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd) who made this known while anchoring the ministerial briefing at the State House said they should desist, saying security agencies have been deployed to end this intolerance.
Babagana warned that there will be no hiding place for the perpetrators, when the law enforcement agencies take steps.
The NSA who was reacting to reports of state governors implementing policies that prevent the presence of opposition campaign materials in their states, blamed the action on what he called inferiority complex.
He cautioned the governors to restrain their thugs in what be describes as a ‘Cabo regime’, reminding that the President Muhammadu Buhari had given clear directives that the 2023 election must be free, fair and credible.