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From Emmanuel Adeyemi, Lokoja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies in Kogi State have begun mapping out potential flashpoints as part of measures to ensure peaceful and credible polls ahead of the 2027 general election.
Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, Nasir Kankarfi, disclosed this on Monday after an inter-agency security meeting with INEC and heads of other security agencies at the Police Command Headquarters in Lokoja.
Kankarfi said the meeting reviewed security arrangements for the presidential and National Assembly elections, with particular attention to identifying potential trouble spots and developing strategies to prevent electoral violence.
According to him, the security agencies held extensive discussions with INEC on measures required to safeguard the electoral process across the state. He said the agencies would also engage political parties and other stakeholders ahead of the elections and warn against violence, inflammatory statements and hate speech.
The police commissioner assured residents that security agencies would work collectively to provide a safe environment for the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.
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Also speaking, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Kogi State, Shehu Wahab, said the meeting provided an opportunity to assess INEC’s level of preparedness and strengthen coordination with security agencies.
“I was in a meeting with all heads of security agencies in Kogi to take stock of the preparation of INEC, and to ensure that we collaborate with security agencies.”
Wahab assured that the commission would provide the required electoral materials and personnel and work closely with security agencies to prevent violence and ensure the smooth conduct of the polls.
He also highlighted the role of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the movement of electoral materials across the state.
“We shall ensure that all stakeholders are given their responsibilities, especially the National Union of Road Transport Workers, who are charged with the responsibility of transporting and conveying all electoral materials to various units, wards and Local Government Areas in Kogi State,” he said.
The REC reiterated INEC’s commitment to conducting free, fair and credible elections in the state and urged political parties and other stakeholders to cooperate with the commission and security agencies.
