INEC, security agencies strategise on peaceful 2027 elections in Kogi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies in Kogi on Monday reviewed preparations for the 2027 general elections, focusing on security and peaceful campaigns.

The review took place at an Inter-Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting in Lokoja, attended by the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Shehu Wahab, and heads of security agencies in the state.

The Commissioner of Police in Kogi, Naziru Kankarofi, said the meeting addressed security concerns, emergency threats, inter-agency collaboration and campaign guidelines.

He urged political parties and stakeholders to engage in peaceful campaigns, responsible communication and compliance with electoral laws, especially avoiding hate speech, incitement and violence.

The committee also discussed a peace accord for political parties and candidates, as well as measures to provide voters with a safe environment.

In his address, Dr. Shehu Wahab, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Kogi, said the meeting aimed at reviewing the commission’s preparations for the 2027 general elections, particularly security arrangements.

Wahab said the Inter-Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) was a critical platform for addressing security-related issues that could affect the conduct of peaceful and credible elections.

He said INEC was providing the necessary materials and relevant information to enable security agencies effectively discharge their responsibilities before, during and after the elections.

According to the REC, although INEC will deploy trained personnel, electoral materials and technology to polling units, the nature of the electoral environment requires the cooperation of security agencies to address existing and emerging security challenges.

“Kogi, like other states in Nigeria, has areas of security challenges which ICCES is designed to address.

“This meeting has taken account of all that is needed from INEC as we move forward for the elections and the cooperation expected from security agencies to ensure a good election,” he said.

The REC also called for cooperation from other stakeholders critical to the electoral process, particularly transport providers.

He noted that INEC relied on organisations such as the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and marine transport operators to move personnel and election materials.

He said the meeting took a holistic view of security and other issues relating to the 2027 elections, adding that it would serve as the basis for further engagements with relevant stakeholders.

Wahab said INEC would also meet with political parties and civil society organisations to discuss the need for peaceful campaigns.

He said the engagement was important because experience had shown that electoral violence often began during party primaries and campaigns, and could eventually spill over into election day.

The REC urged security agencies to address security concerns as they emerged during the electoral process to ensure a safe environment for voters and other stakeholders on election day.