The Independent National Electoral Commission has called on traditional rulers in Kogi State to help mobilise eligible voters and promote peaceful participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, made the appeal on Thursday during a meeting with traditional rulers representing the 21 local government areas of Kogi State in Lokoja.
Amupitan said the engagement was part of the commission’s assessment of its personnel and electoral infrastructure as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections and the forthcoming off-cycle governorship election.
He urged the monarchs to use their influence and close connections with grassroots communities to encourage voter participation, improve public awareness and promote acceptance of credible election results.
The INEC chairman also stressed the importance of Permanent Voter Card collection, urging traditional rulers to encourage eligible residents to obtain their PVCs ahead of the polls.
He warned against political violence and thuggery, particularly among young people, and called on the traditional institution to help discourage youths from being used by politicians to disrupt elections.
Amupitan further urged the monarchs to help tackle misinformation and disinformation, warning that the spread of false information could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
He maintained that credible elections required cooperation between INEC and traditional institutions, while reaffirming the commission’s commitment to improving its operational capacity through infrastructure upgrades and modern technological equipment.
Responding on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Muhammad, pledged the council’s support for the commission’s efforts.
He, however, urged INEC to remain committed to fairness, transparency, accountability and strict adherence to the rule of law.
The engagement comes as INEC intensifies its nationwide preparations for the 2027 elections, with voter apathy, electoral violence and public confidence remaining important concerns in the country’s electoral process.