The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC says it is making arrangements to enable persons displaced by violence in Plateau State, North-Central Nigeria to participate in the 2027 general election.
The Commission’s Head of Electoral Operations in Plateau State, Isa Idakwo, gave the assurance at a parley organised by the Plateau State Police Command to discuss security and preparations for the elections.
Since the 2023 general election, recurring violence in parts of Plateau State has forced many residents to flee their communities, raising concerns about their participation in future elections.
At a parley convened by the Plateau State Police Command ahead of the 2027 polls, INEC addressed concerns over how internally displaced persons, IDPs would exercise their constitutional right to vote. Idakwo outlined the arrangements being considered to ensure displaced voters are not disenfranchised.
Representatives of political parties and candidates also sought assurances from security agencies on their preparedness to provide a safe and conducive environment for the elections. Their concerns centred on security arrangements and the need to guarantee a level playing field for all political actors throughout the electoral process.
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The Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Ayodeji Faniyan, reaffirmed the neutrality of security agencies in the electoral process. He also urged political parties to notify the police in good time of their planned campaigns, rallies and other political activities to enable adequate security arrangements.
The meeting was attended by the Director of the Department of State Services, DSS in Plateau State, as well as representatives of the General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and the Commander of Operation Enduring Peace.
The engagement was aimed at strengthening cooperation among electoral stakeholders, political parties and security agencies ahead of the 2027 general election.
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(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
