By Ajifa Ainoko
The Chairman of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC), Mr. Mamman Nda Eri, has called for stronger collaboration among security agencies to ensure credible and peaceful local government elections scheduled for October 17, 2026.
Mr. Nda Eri made the call in Lokoja during a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), convened as part of preparations for the forthcoming polls.
Addressing representatives of security agencies, government officials, and the media, he described the meeting as timely and strategic, noting that the success of any election largely depends on a robust security framework.
He emphasized that election security was a shared responsibility requiring a coordinated, intelligence-driven, and proactive approach among all critical stakeholders.
The KOSIEC Chairman noted that the ICCES platform remains vital for collaboration, consultation, and joint planning among relevant agencies.
He outlined key priorities ahead of the elections to include identifying potential security threats, 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.
Mr. Nda Eri commended the commitment and professionalism of security agencies, urging them to maintain law and order before, during, and after the elections.
He expressed optimism that with early planning, mutual trust, and sustained commitment, the state would conduct elections that are peaceful, credible, and reflective of the will of the people.
The KOSIEC Chairman also assured stakeholders of the commission’s readiness to collaborate fully to ensure the success of the polls.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Naziru Bello Kankarofi, said all federal security agencies under the ICCES are fully prepared to ensure a credible and peaceful election.
He added that vigilante groups, hunters, and other auxiliary forces would not be involved in the election security operations.
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