<\/p>\n
Security agencies in Plateau State have assured political parties and their candidates of adequate protection ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that measures are being put in place to prevent violence and other electoral offences.<\/strong><\/p>\n The assurance was given on Thursday during a stakeholders\u2019 meeting convened by the Plateau State Police Command at the Police Officers\u2019 Mess in Jos. Representatives of the Department of State Services, Independent National Electoral Commission, Nigerian Army, National Orientation Agency and Inter-Party Advisory Council attended the meeting.<\/p>\n Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Faniyan Ayodeji, said the meeting was organised to secure the cooperation of political actors and other stakeholders in ensuring peaceful, credible and transparent elections.<\/p>\n He acknowledged concerns that Plateau could become a flashpoint during the election period but said security agencies were taking proactive steps to prevent unrest.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have observed some flashpoints in terms of insecurity, and as the election period approaches, a lot of attention and focus is being directed toward Plateau State.<\/p>\n Our duty as security agencies is to disappoint those who are expecting or predicting violence,\u201d Ayodeji said.<\/p>\n The police commissioner disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police had been briefed on the state\u2019s security situation and had approved additional personnel and logistics to address emerging threats.<\/p>\n He said the command was working with other security agencies to gather intelligence on areas with a history of electoral violence and identify risks linked to campaigns and political activities.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are already making preparations \u2014 highlighting potential threats in terms of election-related violence and other associated criminality that can be triggered by election activities. We are willing and ready to collaborate with all political parties and aspirants. We will make adequate security plans and provide adequate security protection for all,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n Police identify key electoral threats He urged politicians and their supporters to comply with the Electoral Act, warning against campaign rhetoric and conduct capable of provoking violence or intimidating opponents.<\/p>\n \u201cElection is not a do-or-die affair. Election should not ignite violence. Election should not divide us. Every party has ample opportunity to talk to the people and canvass for votes as much as possible, and then we all wait for voting day and let the people make their choice,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n The commissioner also insisted that the police would remain impartial throughout the electoral process.<\/p>\n \u201cI want to assure you that the Nigeria Police, as the lead agency in internal security, in collaboration with all other agencies, will guarantee neutrality. We shall be neutral. We have no choice,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n He added that the command had sufficient personnel to cover polling units across the state and would deploy patrol vehicles to support rapid responses to incidents.<\/p>\n Intelligence operations, he said, were also being strengthened to identify individuals seeking to exploit political tensions.<\/p>\n Plateau State Director of the DSS, Paul Damian, similarly pledged cooperation with other agencies to ensure adequate security during the polls.<\/p>\n He argued that responsible conduct by politicians and electoral officials would reduce the need for extensive security deployments.<\/p>\n \u201cSome people have made comments whether the police or the security agents have enough manpower to cover all the places. I was just thinking about it and I came to the conclusion that if INEC and the politicians will conduct themselves and do what is expected of them, you don\u2019t need security agents in all places,\u201d Damian said.<\/p>\n He promised to remain neutral and ensure that personnel under his supervision performed their duties professionally.<\/p>\n The Plateau State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Kaneng Tabitha Pam-Hworo, urged political parties to encourage eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and reject vote-buying.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you ready for this election? Are you ready? Do you have your PVC ready? Your PVC must be ready, so that during the election, you will not resort to vote-buying or compelling people to sell their votes,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n She reminded candidates that only one governorship seat would be contested and urged them to accept the outcome peacefully.<\/p>\n \u201cIn every election, there is a winner and there is a loser. For the governorship of this state, only one seat is available. Only one person will win. Even after the elections, it is very important that we maintain peace,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Pam-Hworo also cautioned parties against recruiting troublemakers, warning that violence at polling units could lead to the cancellation of results.<\/p>\n She condemned the spread of misinformation, fake news and character assassination for political advantage, urging party leaders to restrain their supporters and protect the peace currently enjoyed in the state.<\/p>\n INEC plans inclusive elections He assured stakeholders that INEC was committed to delivering a peaceful, free and transparent poll.<\/p>\n The commission also plans to make voting accessible to persons living with disabilities and internally displaced persons, according to the representative.<\/p>\n He identified Wase, Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Bassa among the local government areas facing displacement-related challenges, noting that INEC had identified eight to nine local government areas requiring attention.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Commissioner has also asked me to inform you that this election will be inclusive \u2014 meaning all sectors of society will have the opportunity to vote. Whether persons are living with disabilities or are internally displaced, there will be an opportunity for them to vote,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n The representative invited stakeholders to provide information on displaced communities not already covered by the commission\u2019s assessment, adding that INEC was working with organisations at the national level to facilitate voting for internally displaced persons.<\/p>\n He described the meeting as an opportunity to obtain feedback and strengthen preparations for the 2027 elections.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\nAyodeji listed vote-buying, political thuggery, hate speech, incitement, disputes within and between parties, and the misuse of artificial intelligence and social media as issues that would attract particular attention.<\/p>\n
\nThe Resident Electoral Commissioner in Plateau State, Prof. Sam Egwu, represented by the Head of Electoral Operations, said preparations for the election were nearing completion at the state level.<\/p>\n