The Inter-Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCES, in Kogi State has vowed to strengthen collaboration among security agencies and stakeholders to prevent violence and ensure a peaceful, credible, and safe 2027 general elections.
At a meeting held in Lokoja on Monday, the committee also announced plans to meet with political parties and civil society organisations next Tuesday to discuss campaign guidelines, responsible political communication, and compliance with electoral laws.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Chairman of ICCES and Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, said the session reviewed preparations for the 2027 polls, assessed security implications, and identified potential threats.
According to him, the committee emphasized the need for political parties and their supporters to shun hate speech, incitement, and violence during campaigns.
He added that the planned engagement would provide an opportunity to “rub minds” on expectations for peaceful campaigns and credible elections.
CP Kankarofi further disclosed that arrangements were underway for political parties and candidates to sign a peace accord as a commitment to obeying electoral laws and campaign guidelines.
The committee, he said, resolved to ensure strict compliance with relevant laws so that eligible voters can exercise their civic rights without fear or intimidation.
Also speaking, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Kogi and Co-Chairman of ICCES, Shehu Wahab, said the meeting was convened to take stock of INEC’s preparations as they relate to security.
Wahab described ICCES as a “cardinal pillar” of electoral security, noting that while INEC would provide materials, personnel and technology, a secure environment remains critical to credible elections.
He acknowledged that some parts of Kogi face security challenges and stressed that the committee was set up to address them through coordinated inter-agency action.
The REC also highlighted the role of transport providers in moving election materials to polling units, saying INEC does not have enough vehicles and would rely on road and marine transport unions.
Wahab warned that electoral violence often begins during campaigns and party primaries, not just on election day.
“Our experience has shown that some of the violence we experience on election day actually begins during campaigns. Some start during party primaries,” he said.
He added that unresolved disputes from primaries and campaigns could spill over to election day, making early security intervention necessary.
The REC said the meeting with political parties and CSOs would be the first in a series of engagements ahead of the 2027 polls, as the commission has already commenced the campaign process.
*Attendees*: The meeting was attended by heads of security agencies and other relevant stakeholders in the state.
