Kogi Political Parties: Endorse 2027 Election Peace Accord

• Nineteen political parties in Kogi State signed a peace accord on Tuesday, committing to lawful and peaceful conduct for the 2027 general elections.
• The agreement, facilitated by the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), mandates campaigns focus on policies and issues, avoiding violence or divisive rhetoric.
• Kogi's Commissioner of Police warned of strict legal consequences for violations, promising a level playing field for all parties.
• The Resident Electoral Commissioner detailed significant INEC electoral infractions penalties, including fines up to N5 million or three years imprisonment for individuals, and N10 million for parties under Sections 96-99 of the Electoral Act 2026.
• Stakeholders urged security agencies and INEC to remain impartial, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to electoral laws by all political actors.

Political parties themselves are not exempt from these stringent regulations. Violations of the political parties conduct code Nigeria, particularly under Sections 96 to 99 of the Nigeria Electoral Act 2026, can result in fines reaching up to N10 million.

Nineteen political parties operating within Kogi State formally endorsed a peace accord on Tuesday, pledging their commitment to conducting all future campaigns and political activities strictly in line with established legal frameworks. This significant agreement, aimed at fostering a tranquil electoral environment, was facilitated by the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) during a stakeholder engagement session held at the Kogi State Police Command Headquarters in Lokoja.

The accord saw the participating parties, representing a substantial majority of the 22 expected to contest the 2027 general elections in the state, commit unequivocally to peaceful conduct. They collectively vowed to abstain from any actions that could incite violence, create disorder, or otherwise disrupt the integrity of the electoral process. A core tenet of the agreement mandates that campaigns will focus on substantive policy proposals, programs, manifestos, and critical societal issues, rather than resorting to intimidation, threats, or disruptive tactics.

Furthermore, the signatories explicitly promised to avoid rhetoric that promotes hatred, fuels ethnic or religious divisions, engages in personal attacks, or incites public unrest. This comprehensive commitment underscores a collective desire to elevate the standard of political discourse and ensure a more civil and law-abiding contest for the upcoming Kogi 2027 election.

During the signing ceremony, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, reassured all stakeholders of the security agencies' unwavering commitment to providing an equitable playing field for all parties. He emphasized that campaigns could proceed without rancor or animosity, provided there was strict adherence to the Electoral Act 2026 and the Kogi State 2027 election guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The Commissioner issued a stern warning that any violations would be met with rigorous legal consequences, affirming that the police would not tolerate violence, hate speech, thuggery, provocations, or any other form of electoral misconduct before, during, or after the 2027 general elections.

Dr. Shehu Wahab, the Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), further elaborated on the regulatory landscape, noting that INEC has already completed five of the fourteen scheduled activities for the 2027 general elections across Nigeria. He explained that the purpose of the meeting was to sensitize parties, candidates, and other stakeholders about operating within the confines of the Electoral Act 2026 to prevent penalties. Dr. Wahab highlighted that INEC electoral infractions penalties are substantial, with individual offenders facing fines ranging from N2 million to N5 million, or imprisonment for one to three years, for offenses such as campaigning in places of worship, using masquerades, bearing arms, or instigating violence.

Political parties themselves are not exempt from these stringent regulations. Violations of the political parties conduct code Nigeria, particularly under Sections 96 to 99 of the Nigeria Electoral Act 2026, can result in fines reaching up to N10 million. This clear articulation of penalties serves as a strong deterrent, reinforcing the imperative for all political actors to meticulously comply with electoral laws.

The signing of this Kogi 2027 election peace accord signals a heightened focus on lawful conduct and accountability leading up to the next general elections. Participants at the stakeholder engagement underscored the importance of impartiality, urging both security agencies and INEC to maintain neutrality and ensure equitable treatment for all political parties throughout the entire election cycle. This call for fairness is crucial for building trust and legitimacy in the electoral process.

For legal professionals advising political parties or candidates in Kogi, this accord and the explicit warnings from authorities necessitate a proactive approach. Lawyers must ensure strict compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 and all INEC guidelines, particularly concerning campaign conduct and prohibited activities, to help their clients avoid significant penalties. The increased scrutiny and enforcement of electoral laws ahead of the 2027 elections demand comprehensive compliance measures, making the role of legal counsel more critical than ever in navigating the complex regulatory environment.

Lawyers advising political parties or candidates in Kogi must ensure strict compliance with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, particularly concerning campaign conduct and prohibited activities, to avoid significant penalties. This accord signals increased scrutiny and enforcement of electoral laws ahead of the 2027 elections, requiring proactive compliance measures.

Source: Original reporting via Daily Trust