As the 2027 electioneering year is fast approaching, Wahab L. Shehu, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Kogi State Resident Commissioner (REC), has called upon the people of the state to demonstrate democratic maturity and work collaboratively to keep Kogi State peaceful and progress-driven.
Shehu stated this at the critical stakeholders’ session with political leaders and candidates at the INEC headquarters, Lokoja, saying this is a clear indication of their collective commitment to the peace, stability and democratic progress of Kogi State.
He said: ‘We have convened this gathering for one primary purpose: to ensure that our electoral processes in Kogi State remain peaceful, transparent, credible, and seamless.
‘As key players in the political ecosystem, your role goes beyond seeking public office; it extends to sustaining public confidence in our democratic process. Today, we want to address vital operational arrangements, security protocols, and compliance directives essential for our upcoming activities and future engagements.
‘This meeting will also provide you with an opportunity to express your concerns and what you expect from INEC and other stakeholders in the build -up to the General Election. Specifically, this meeting seeks to provide you with an update on INEC’s preparations for the elections and your expected roles, as well as to discuss security concerns in the ongoing political campaigns by candidates and their supporters across the state’.
He pointed out that as the Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC) Collection and Voter Sensitisation is ongoing across the 21 local government areas, ‘We strongly implore political parties, candidates, and community leaders to join hands with us in mobilising citizens to pick up their PVCs at the local government area offices while we await the arrival and distribution of cards for subsequent phases.
‘To ensure maximum outreach, the Commission is actively sensitising the public through regular media jingles across various radio stations in the state.
In line with our strategic preparations for the 2027 General Elections, the Commission is conducting comprehensive internal capacity -building workshops led by our Electoral Operations and Voter Education and Publicity (VEP) Departments.
‘These initiatives cover critical operational areas, including the Collation Support and Verification System (CSRVS), Electoral Operations Support Centre (EOSC), Voter Education, as well as Gender and Inclusivity training to ensure every segment of society is served effectively.
‘To boost our logistical capacity and guarantee prompt deployment during elections, additional operational vehicles have been supplied to the State Headquarters and LGA offices. Major and minor reconstruction and renovation works are currently ongoing across our L local government area offices to create a safe and functional environment for staff, stakeholders, and the general public.
‘We urge all political parties and candidates to begin the mobilisation of their party agents immediately. This is to avoid delays when the time of upload begins and to avoid unnecessary delays in printing the official identification tags,’ he said.
On the security concerns in the ongoing political campaigns, he said: ‘We have received some disturbing reports of attacks and intimidation. Political competition is not a license for criminality. INEC and security agencies emphasise that no candidate’s ambition is worth the safety or lives of citizens.
‘Political parties are required by law to maintain peaceful, issue -based campaigns. Therefore, party leaders are encouraged to rein in their supporters and stop mobilising thugs, destroying opponents’ campaign materials, or blocking rival political gatherings.’
He pointed out that INEC in Kogi State remained strictly non-partisan and dedicated to providing a level playing field for every participant.