The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged security agencies to ensure adequate protection for its personnel and materials during the 2027 general elections.

Mutiu Agboke, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State, made the appeal on Thursday in Akure at the Ondo Central Senatorial District stakeholders’ meeting ahead of the 2027 general election.

Mr Agboke, who said the commission was ready to conduct credible elections, explained that it decided to centralise enlightenment and voter education by engaging residents of the three senatorial districts in the state.

“Election is coming, and we are going to start the collection of permanent voters’ cards (PVCs) on October 9. These activities are major activities of INEC.

“One of the complaints the commission usually receives is the absence of security personnel at polling units and collation centres.

“We are appealing to our security agencies that they should rise up and live up to the various challenges that are waiting for us on election day.

“We sought their cooperation, and we are appealing to them on the need for both our men and materials to be well secured,” Mr Agboke said.

The REC also used the meeting to warn against vote-buying and thuggery, stressing that the 2027 polls must not be compromised by money or violence.

According to him, past elections have been characterised by such malpractices; hence, politicians, voters, and their supporters should shun acts that could disrupt the process.

The REC, therefore, reassured stakeholders that the upcoming election results would be determined solely by the votes of the masses.

Also, Stephen Abitogun, a lawmaker representing Akure South Constituency 2, commended INEC for the electoral education and stressed the need to eradicate political thuggery and vote buying in Nigeria.

“We, as politicians, must accept that elections are meant for public service rather than personal gain. So, let us try as much as possible to prohibit acts of political thuggery in our electoral processes.

“So, I want to passionately plead with all that are concerned about this process that is coming up soon. Let’s try as much as possible to educate our people more,” he said.

Similarly, Olayemi Olajide, chairman, Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Akure South Local Government, applauded the commission for its advocacy on vote buying, saying elections should not be seen as a contract.

“Violence was caused by politicians and people of the society, not INEC. Election is not a war but a call to service; why are we fighting?

“As political parties, we must tell our fathers, mothers, and children to do away with thuggery and vote buying. Whoever collects money on the day of election has already sold his or her future,” he said.

The representatives of security agencies, including Police, NSCDC, FRSC, SSS, and Immigration, were present at the stakeholder meeting.

They all reiterated their commitment to provide maximum security during and after the election. 

(NAN)