The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised the alarm over reported attacks and intimidation during ongoing political campaigns in Kogi State, warning political parties and their candidates that electoral competition must not be used as a licence for violence.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr Shehu Wahab, who raised the concern at a critical stakeholders’ session with political party leaders and candidates, urged political leaders to caution their supporters against violence, destruction of opponents’ campaign materials and disruption of rival political gatherings.
Wahab stressed that the safety and lives of citizens must take precedence over political ambitions, calling on all political parties to conduct peaceful, issue-based campaigns in accordance with the Electoral Act and the Political Parties’ Code of Conduct.
He said INEC was working closely with security agencies to safeguard candidates, electoral personnel, election materials and voters, while ensuring a level playing field for all contestants.
The REC reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to neutrality, transparency and credibility, urging political stakeholders to avoid inflammatory statements and demonstrate democratic maturity as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the stakeholders’ meeting was convened to review INEC’s preparations, address operational arrangements and security protocols, and provide political parties with an opportunity to express their concerns and expectations ahead of the elections.
Wahab said the success of the electoral process depended on the collective responsibility of INEC, political parties, candidates, security agencies and citizens.
On preparations for the 2027 general elections, the REC disclosed that the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) was ongoing at INEC’s 21 local government area offices across the state.
He appealed to political parties, candidates and community leaders to support the commission’s mobilisation efforts by encouraging eligible voters to collect their cards.
He added that INEC was conducting public sensitization through radio jingles across the state to increase awareness and promote participation in the electoral process.
The REC further disclosed that the commission had commenced internal capacity-building programmes through its Electoral Operations and Voter Education and Publicity departments to strengthen personnel readiness for the forthcoming elections.
He explained that the training covered electoral operations, the Collation Support and Verification System (CSRVS), the Electoral Operations Support Centre (EOSC), voter education, gender sensitivity and inclusivity.
Wahab also announced improvements in the commission’s operational capacity, including the provision of additional vehicles to the state headquarters and local government offices to facilitate logistics and the timely deployment of personnel during elections.
On the mobilisation of party agents, the REC urged political parties and candidates to begin preparations early to avoid delays in uploading agents’ details and printing their official identification tags.
He also highlighted the importance of monitoring campaign activities and expenditure, urging political parties to comply with relevant electoral regulations.
Addressing complaints over the omission or incorrect listing of candidates, Wahab said concerns received from political parties had been forwarded to INEC’s national headquarters for review.
He assured stakeholders that appropriate measures were being taken to address and rectify any verified discrepancies.
The REC reiterated that INEC in Kogi State remained non-partisan and committed to ensuring that all political parties and candidates operated under fair electoral conditions.
He said renovation and reconstruction works were ongoing at INEC offices across the state to provide a safer and more functional working environment for staff, stakeholders and members of the public.
In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police , Kogi State Command Naziru Kankarofi warned that security agencies would not tolerate possession of any type of fire arm before , during and after the elections.
“Violence will not help us and I am appealing to party leaders to call their members to order. We need peaceful conduct of election in the interest of Kogi people” the CP said.
