“Kogi Political Parties Sign Peace Accord Ahead of 2027 Elections, Pledge Peaceful Campaigns”
Political parties in Kogi State have signed a peace accord ahead of the 2027 general elections, committing to peaceful, credible and violence-free campaigns.
The accord was signed on Monday during the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCES, meeting at the Kogi State Police Command Headquarters in Lokoja.
The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello KanKarofi, said the police will be fair to all parties and provide adequate security for candidates and campaign venues.
He however issued a strong warning against political violence and thuggery.“We will not condone thuggery and political violence. I am warning all political parties and their candidates to avoid hiring thugs to attack members of opposition parties,”_ he said.
CP KanKarofi disclosed that undercover operatives have been deployed to monitor political activities and carry out threat analysis.
He urged parties to inform the police early about campaign dates and venues to enable proper security deployment. Requests for police protection will be attended to on a “first come, first serve” basis.
He also warned that the use of firearms or offensive weapons during campaigns will not be tolerated, and offenders will face arrest and prosecution.
INEC Sets Campaign Timeline, Reads the Rules
The Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC Kogi, Shehu Wahab, said the meeting was to update political parties on rules guiding the 2027 elections.
He said INEC has completed 5 out of 14 activities in its timetable, including issuance of notice of election, submission of party registers, conduct of primaries, and publication of candidates’ particulars.
Campaign Periods:
Presidential & National Assembly August 19, 2026 – January 14, 2027
State House of Assembly September 9, 2026 – February 4, 2027
Wahab noted that campaigns are regulated by the 2022 Electoral Act and INEC’s 2026 Guidelines for Political Parties.
The Head of Legal Services, INEC Kogi, Barr. Faith A. Kotso, said Sections 96-99 of the Electoral Act prohibit abusive language, campaigning in places of worship, use of armed groups, and violence.
Penalties include fines of up to ₦10 million for parties and up to 3 years imprisonment for individuals.
She added that campaigns must stop 24 hours before election day and all parties must have equal access to state-owned media.
Stakeholders Endorse Peace
Leaders of 19 out of 22 registered political parties in Kogi attended the meeting, alongside religious leaders, civil society organizations, NDLEA, FRSC, NSCDC and other security agencies.
The high point was the signing of the Peace Accord by representatives of political parties, CSOs, religious bodies and other stakeholders.
The REC commended the turnout and urged all parties to abide by the rules to ensure peaceful elections in Kogi State.
Reported by Faith Adikeh
