Ahead of 2027 general elections, 19 out of the 21 political parties in Kogi State have signed a comprehensive peace accord a peaceful, credible and violence-free electoral process in the state.
The signing of the peace accord was performed during the engagement of Inter Consultative Committee On Election Security (ICCES) with Political Parties held at the headquarters of Kogi State Police Command in Lokoja.
The accord, signed under the supervision of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), commits political parties, candidates and their supporters to uphold peace, respect democratic principles and adhere strictly to electoral laws before, during and after the elections.
Speaking at the occasion, the co-chairman of ICCES and the Commissioner of Police Kogi State Command Naziru Bello Kankarofi charged political parties and their candidates participating in the January 2027 general elections to strictly adhere to the rules guiding the electoral process.
The Police Commissioner emphasized the need for all stakeholders to demonstrate commitment to peaceful conduct before, during and after the elections.
He noted that the peace accord was not merely a ceremonial exercise, but a binding moral commitment by political actors to shun violence, hate speech, thuggery and other forms of electoral malpractices that could undermine the credibility of the polls.
He warned that the Command would not hesitate to enforce the law against any individual or group found violating the provisions of the electoral guidelines, stressing that security agencies are fully prepared to ensure a level playing field for all contestants.
In his opening remarks, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Kogi State, Alhaji Shehu Wahab cautioned political parties and their supporters against engaging in electoral violence ahead of the forthcoming general elections, assuring that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will deliver a credible process.
He stressed that peaceful conduct before, during and after the elections remains critical to the success of the democratic process.
He noted that INEC is fully prepared to conduct free, fair and transparent elections, adding that the commission would not tolerate any actions capable of undermining the integrity of the electoral system.
The REC urged political actors to play by the rules and embrace issue-based campaigns, rather than resorting to intimidation, use of vulgar language during campaign.
The signing of the peace Accord was witness by Kogi State Police Command, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),
Representative of Other Security Agencies, Civil Society/Observer and Religious Institutions
