INEC ready for 2027 election in Kogi — Resident commissioner

The Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Shehu Wahab.

The Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Shehu Wahab, has said the Independent National Electoral Commission is fully prepared for the conduct of the 2027 general election in the state.

The commissioner spoke on Monday in Lokoja at a critical stakeholders’ session with political party leaders and candidates held at the commission’s state headquarters.

Wahab said the commission had put arrangements in place to ensure that the electoral process in Kogi State remained peaceful, transparent, credible and seamless.

He, however, warned all stakeholders, including candidates for various elective positions and their supporters, to ensure peaceful conduct during and after the election.

“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,” the REC said.

He said the issuance of Permanent Voter Cards was ongoing across the commission’s 21 Local Government Area offices.

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“We strongly implore political parties, candidates and community leaders to join hands with us in mobilising citizens to pick up their PVCs at the LGA offices while we await the arrival and distribution of cards for subsequent phases,” he said.

Wahab said the commission was also conducting a public awareness campaign to ensure maximum outreach, adding that it was sensitising residents through regular media jingles across various radio stations in the state.

He said that, in line with its strategic preparations for the 2027 general election, the commission was conducting comprehensive internal capacity-building workshops led by its Electoral Operations and Voter Education and Publicity departments.

“These initiatives cover critical operational areas, including the Collation Support and Verification System, Electoral Operations Support Centre, Voter Education, as well as Gender and Inclusivity training to ensure every segment of society is served effectively,” he said.

Wahab added that the commission had acquired a fleet of vehicles to boost its logistical capacity and guarantee prompt deployment during elections.

He said additional operational vehicles had also been supplied to the state headquarters and LGA offices.