The Plateau State Police Command has assured political parties and their candidates of adequate security ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging all stakeholders to abide by electoral laws and maintain peace before, during and after the polls.
The Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, CP Ayodeji Faniyan, gave the assurance on Thursday during a stakeholders’ critial meeting with political party officials and candidates at the Police Officers’ Mess in Jos, where participants discussed peaceful conduct and security arrangements for the forthcoming elections.
Faniyan, who convened the meeting, said the police were adequately prepared for the electoral exercise and would work professionally to ensure a peaceful, credible and secure process.
He cautioned political officeholders and other VIPs against violating electoral security regulations, particularly the prohibition on being accompanied by security operatives to polling units.
The commissioner warned that anyone found violating the regulations would face the full weight of the law.
He further assured participants that the police would discharge their responsibilities professionally, adding that officers who violated the law or breached established operational guidelines would be held accountable.
Faniyan also reiterated the command’s commitment to working closely with other security agencies to provide comprehensive security throughout the electoral process.
According to him, security agencies have identified shortcomings from previous elections and are taking measures to address the gaps to prevent a recurrence.
Speaking at the meeting, the Head of Department (HOD), Electoral Operations, INEC Plateau State, Isah Abah Idakwo.
who represented the Plateau State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Sam Eggu, said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was prepared for the national electoral assignment.
The INEC representative maintained that the commission was making the necessary preparations to ensure the successful conduct of the 2027 elections.
He noted that the elections conducted in Plateau State in 2023 were credible and conclusive, expressing confidence that the commission would improve on its preparations for the forthcoming polls.
He also disclosed that the display of voters’ registers, including the process involving new and existing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), commenced on October 9. According to him, approximately 13,000 newly produced PVCs are ready for collection by eligible voters across Plateau State.
He urged residents who had yet to collect their cards to take advantage of the opportunity and complete the necessary electoral requirements ahead of the elections.
Also speaking at the stakeholders’ meeting, the Plateau State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik
expressed confidence in the ability of security agencies to protect voters and ensure a peaceful electoral process.
However, he expressed concern over the alleged persistent absence of representatives of the ruling political party at relevant engagements, urging all political parties to participate actively in the electoral process.
He called on political leaders and candidates to respect the rules governing the elections and support efforts to guarantee a free, fair and credible contest.
In his remarks, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Plateau State pledged the agency’s commitment to collaborating with the police and other security organisations to ensure the orderly conduct of the elections.
He urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to comply with electoral regulations and respect the provisions of the law.
The DSS director stressed the importance of cooperation among political actors and security agencies in preventing violence, intimidation and other actions capable of undermining the electoral process.
Other candidates contesting various political offices in the 2027 elections also called on INEC to uphold the principles of fairness, transparency and impartiality in the discharge of its responsibilities.
They urged the commission to provide a level playing field for all political parties and candidates, irrespective of their political strength or influence.
The stakeholders’ meeting provided an opportunity for political leaders, electoral officials and security agencies to reaffirm their commitment to peaceful elections, respect for the rule of law and the protection of voters’ rights in Plateau State.
The peace accord is expected to encourage political parties and their supporters to pursue their electoral ambitions through lawful and democratic means while contributing to a peaceful atmosphere ahead of the 2027 general elections.
