The Integrity Youth Alliance has strongly refuted claims that the recent wave of promotions within the Nigeria Police Force was influenced by a protest led by activist and Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore.
In a statement signed by the Alliance’s National Coordinator, Kelvin Adegbenga, the youth-focused advocacy group described the circulating narrative as “misleading and factually incorrect.” The group emphasised that the ongoing promotion exercise is a routine administrative process rooted in institutional procedures and not a response to public demonstrations.
“The promotion of officers in the Nigeria Police Force is governed by internal administrative procedures, assessments, and recommendations coordinated by the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Office of the Inspector General of Police,” the statement read. “It is based on merit, professionalism, and strategic requirements, not external activism or protests.”
The Alliance cautioned against politicising the promotion process, stating that attributing it to Mr. Sowore’s protest diminishes the efforts of dedicated officers who earned their advancement through years of service and performance.
While reiterating support for the constitutional right to peaceful protest, the group urged civil society actors and media practitioners to refrain from spreading unfounded claims that could undermine the credibility of public institutions.
“We commend the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission for maintaining a transparent and merit-based promotion process,” the statement concluded.
The clarification comes amid ongoing discussions in the media and on social platforms regarding the motivation behind the recent promotions across various ranks in the Police Force.
