AHEAD OF 2027: KOGI SECURITY AGENCIES AND INEC STRATEGIZE FOR CREDIBLE POLLS
By Faith Adikeh
As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, security and electoral stakeholders in Kogi State are stepping up collaboration to ensure peaceful and credible polls.
The Kogi State Police Command has organized an Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting at the command headquarters in Lokoja. The meeting brought together the Resident Electoral Chairman of INEC,Shehu Wahab, alongside heads of various security and related agencies in the state.
The committee reviewed the general security outlook ahead of the 2027 general elections and discussed measures to strengthen coordination among agencies.
According to the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Nazir Bello Kankarofi, the discussion centered on encouraging peaceful political activities and ensuring compliance with electoral guidelines.
He noted that security agencies will continue to engage political parties and other stakeholders to promote responsible communication and discourage any form of conduct that could threaten public peace.
He added that Plans are also being put in place for political parties and candidates to commit to peaceful conduct through a peace accord.
Shehu Wahab, described ICCES as an important platform for addressing electoral security concerns.
He explained that while INEC is responsible for providing electoral materials, personnel and technology, the support of security agencies is vital to ensure a safe electoral environment.
Wahab also highlighted the importance of logistics, especially the safe movement of personnel and materials to polling units across the state, including riverine communities. He added that early engagement with political parties and civil society groups will help address concerns before they escalate.
The engagement signals that security and electoral bodies are working together early to create an environment where citizens can exercise their right to vote freely.
ICCES indicated that more consultations with political parties, traditional institutions, youth groups and civil society organizations will follow as preparations continue.
The goal remains the same: peaceful campaigns, orderly elections, and protection of every eligible voter in Kogi State.
