By Abubakar Abraham
The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC), has convened the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), to strengthen collaboration with all federal security agencies ahead of the Local Government Elections scheduled for 17th October 2026.
The high-level meeting brought together key stakeholders including the Nigeria Police Force, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, and other federal security outfits.
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In his address, Mamman Eri, Chairman of KOSIEC, emphasised that credible elections depend heavily on a robust, coordinated security framework.
“Elections are the cornerstone of democratic governance. However, their credibility and success are largely dependent on the security framework that supports them,” Eri stated.
“Without adequate security, the integrity of the electoral process can be compromised, and public confidence eroded ” he equally added.
He noted that election security is a collective responsibility that requires intelligence-driven and proactive collaboration among all critical stakeholders. The ICCES platform, he said, remains essential for consultation, joint planning, and synergy.
The KOSIEC Chairman outlined key priorities for the October 17 polls, including: Identifying potential security threats and mapping flashpoints across the state, ensuring the safety of electoral personnel and materials and guaranteeing that voters can exercise their civic rights without fear or intimidation.
Eri commended the professionalism and commitment of the security agencies, urging stronger synergy, real-time information sharing, joint operations planning, and clear delineation of roles to avoid overlaps and ensure swift responses.
He further pleaded with the security agencies to make special provisions for persons with disabilities, ensuring they have unhindered access to polling units alongside their guides or assistants.
“Remain guided by the principles of impartiality, rule of law, and respect for human rights,” he added. “The confidence of the electorate depends not only on what we do, but also on how we do it.”
The KOSIEC boss expressed confidence that with early planning, mutual trust, and unwavering commitment, Kogi State can deliver peaceful, credible, and transparent local government elections that reflect the will of the people.
CP Naziru Kankarofi, Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, reinforced the importance of the inter-agency synergy, noting that the ICCES comprises only federal security agencies.
“Let me emphasise for avoidance of doubts that the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security consists only of all federal security agencies. Other vigilante groups, hunters, and auxiliary forces helping us with security are not going to be involved in the monitoring and provision of security during the elections,” CP Kankarofi stated.
He highlighted the practical demonstration of synergy, with all sister agencies including the military present at the meeting. The security chiefs reviewed the state’s security situation, studied KOSIEC’s timetable, and deliberated on areas requiring collective effort to deliver peaceful elections.
The Police Commissioner noted that Kogi State has enjoyed relative peace following clearance operations since January, and efforts are being intensified to consolidate these gains ahead of the elections.
“Kogi is surrounded by 10 other states because of its key and central position as a transitory state connecting the North and the South. We are able to forecast and plan about what will likely happen, and we have taken adequate measures,” he said.
CP Kankarofi issued a strong warning to troublemakers and political actors planning to bring in thugs or disrupt the process:
“We will not allow anybody to come and disturb the election because we have prepared adequately. All the security agencies ranging from the military, NDLEA, Navy, Marine Police, and even the waterways will be adequately protected.”
He assured that travellers would not be restricted during the election period, as sufficient security arrangements have been made to protect their interests while ensuring a conducive atmosphere for voters to exercise their civic responsibilities.
Both leaders expressed optimism that the collaborative efforts would result in a peaceful and credible electoral process on 17th October 2026.
