By: Kingsley Omonobi
Ahead of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for February 2026, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Miller Dantawaye, has paid courtesy visits to key traditional rulers in Abuja to reinforce the message that elections should not be treated as a do-or-die affair.
The visits took the Police Commissioner to the traditional head (Sa’peyi) of Garki District, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr. Usman Nga Kupi, and the traditional head (Gomo) of Kuje, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr. Haruna Tanko Jibrin.
According to the FCT Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, CP Dantawaye held extensive engagements with community leaders during the visits, including 36 village heads in Garki District and 124 village heads in Kuje Area Council.
While addressing the traditional rulers and their councils, the Police Commissioner stressed the need for peaceful coexistence, tolerance and shared responsibility as political activities ahead of the 2026 elections begin to gather momentum.
He cautioned against viewing elections as a do-or-die contest, noting that democracy offers continuous opportunities for participation and leadership, and that no electoral outcome should result in violence or a breakdown of law and order.
CP Dantawaye said the overarching objective of the Police Command is to ensure the conduct of peaceful, credible and violence-free elections across the FCT.
He further urged traditional institutions to deploy their influence in sensitizing residents to shun violence, resist misinformation and cooperate fully with security agencies before, during and after the electoral process.
The courtesy visits, he explained, are part of the Command’s community-oriented policing and stakeholder engagement strategy aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Police and host communities to enhance peace, security and public confidence in the Federal Capital Territory.
The Police Command also encouraged FCT residents to promptly report emergencies and suspicious activities through its emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08028940883.
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