Kogi 2027: Parties sign peace agreement as police warns against violence

The Kogi State Police Command has organised an Inter Consultative Committee on Electoral Security, ICCES, with a strong warning to political actors to stay clear of violence, intimation of opponents, hate speech and other actions that can undermine the electoral process or face confrontation with the law.

At the meeting which held on Tuesday 8, September at the command’s headquarters in Lokoja, no less than 21 political parties in the state endorsed a peace agreement ahead of the fast-approaching 2027 general elections.

The meeting was chaired by the Commissioner of Police, Nazir Bello Kankarofi, who is Chairman of ICCES, alongside the Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Dr. Shehu Wahab, as co-chairman.

Kankarofi said the Command would identify potential threats, forecast possible crises, and deploy preventive measures as campaigns gather momentum and the election draws closer.

He stressed that security operations would be intensified throughout the electioneering period, particularly against activities capable of threatening public peace.

A major plank of the security strategy is the ongoing crackdown on unregistered and improperly registered vehicles, with the police warning that the exercise would be intensified.

According to the CP, proper vehicle identification would strengthen the ability of security agencies to track suspicious movements and prevent electoral crimes.

Kankarofi urged political parties to inform the police about their campaign schedules and to make to make them issue-based, rather than allowing them to degenerate into personal attacks, inflammatory rhetoric, and violence.

He consequently announced plans to establish a special engagement platform involving political party youth wings and security agencies to promote dialogue, clarify responsibilities and discourage conduct capable of disrupting public peace.

Journalists, often exposed to risks during electioneering, were not left out of the security plan, as the Command assured members of the media of adequate protection throughout the electoral period.

On its part, INEC said political campaigns remained a critical component of the electoral timetable and an essential feature of democratic participation.

Kogi Resident Electoral Commissioner Dr. Shehu Wahab disclosed that the Commission had successfully implemented five of the 14 activities contained in its revised electoral timetable, while voter education, engagement with political parties, training of election personnel and logistics planning were among preparations currently underway.

Wahab urged political parties and candidates to strictly comply with the Constitution, Electoral Act, INEC regulations, guidelines and the revised electoral timetable.

The gathering brought together representatives of the 21 registered political parties and critical security and emergency agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Correctional Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Federal Fire Service.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Council of Ulama also participated in the stakeholder engagement.

INEC used the occasion to reaffirm its commitment to transparency, accountability and continuous improvement in electoral service delivery, while all stakeholders were charged to collectively work towards free, fair, peaceful, transparent and credible elections in Kogi State in 2027.

At the heart of the meeting was the signing of a peace accord by the leadership of the 21 political parties, committing the parties to peaceful campaigns, compliance with electoral laws and the pursuit of credible elections.

Dear Vows