FG to Fund Police for Secure 2026 Off-Season Elections
By Patience Ikpeme
The Federal Government has promised to give the Nigeria Police Force all the financial help they need to make sure the upcoming “off-season” elections in June and August 2026 go smoothly and without violence.
This promise came out during a meeting in Abuja between the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Dr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu. The two leaders met to talk about how to get money moving quickly to help the police do their work.
Dr. Ogunjimi told the police boss that the government knows the 2026 elections will be a big task. He said that for the police to do their job well during the voting period, they must have enough resources and support from the top.
“The role of the Nigeria Police Force in addressing the nation’s security challenges is enormous and requires adequate support to enable the Force discharge its responsibilities effectively and professionally,” the AGF said.
To make sure the money actually reaches the police, the AGF told the IGP to keep talking with the Minister of Finance. He said it is very important to release the money the government is already owing the police, because if there is no money, it will be hard for the police to protect people and stop crime.
A statement from the Office of the Accountant General, signed by Mr. Bawa Mokwa, confirmed that the government is ready to release approved funds quickly. This is to make sure the police are strong enough to fight insecurity across every part of Nigeria.
Before this, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu had asked the AGF to please speed up the release of these funds. He explained that without this money, it is difficult for his officers to do the work the law says they should do.
The IGP said that having enough money for the June and August 2026 elections is a must. He said the police are the ones who will make sure the elections are peaceful and that people can trust the results.
“The Nigeria Police Force will play a critical role in ensuring peaceful and credible elections,” the IGP said.
With this new agreement, many Nigerians are hoping that the police will now have the tools and transport they need to keep everyone safe during the upcoming elections.
