INEC urges Kogi traditional rulers to champion peaceful 2027 elections

Meeting in Lokoja

On 6 November 2026, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), convened a gathering of traditional rulers from all 21 local government areas of Kogi State in the capital, Lokoja. The meeting was part of INEC’s preparation for the 2027 general elections and the upcoming off‑cycle governorship election.

Amupitan urged the traditional rulers to leverage their influence at the community level to foster peaceful engagement, boost voter knowledge, and secure public acceptance of legitimate election results. He also urged them to discourage political violence and thuggery among youths, to counter misinformation and disinformation, and to encourage eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional council, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Muhammad, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, expressed backing for INEC while emphasizing the necessity for impartiality, openness, responsibility, and strict compliance with legal standards.

Background

INEC has been working closely with traditional institutions in Kogi for several years. Alhaji Shehu L., the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Kogi State, Wahab, described the relationship between the electoral body and the 21 local government traditional councils as a remarkable alliance, observing that the monarchs have offered direction, security aid, and logistical help. One royal palace is currently safeguarding INEC property after a vandalisation incident.

During the same visit, INEC commissioned a Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) storage centre at its state headquarters in Lokoja, a move aimed at strengthening the commission’s operational capacity through infrastructure upgrades and modern technology.

Why it matters

The collaboration between INEC and traditional rulers is seen as vital for maintaining peace and encouraging voter participation. Traditional leaders possess moral authority and community mobilisation power that can help counteract political violence and misinformation. Their support is also crucial for the successful collection of Permanent Voter Cards, a prerequisite for voting.

The 2027 general elections will be a significant test of Nigeria’s democratic processes. Ensuring that elections are peaceful, transparent and credible is essential for public confidence and the legitimacy of elected officials.

What happens next

The meeting did not set specific dates for further actions, but it reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to strengthening its infrastructure and operational capacity. Traditional rulers have pledged to communicate the chairman’s message to their subjects and to continue supporting peaceful, transparent and credible elections. The Kogi State office reaffirmed its dedication to sustaining high operational standards, impartiality, and professional quality while carrying out its duties.

The engagement marked the first time that the INEC chairman met the entire Kogi State Traditional Council in one assembly, underscoring the importance of traditional institutions in strengthening democracy and peaceful elections.