The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has relocated the documents and materials used for the November 11 Kogi State governorship election from its office in Lokoja, the state capital, to Abuja. The move, ordered by the National Chairman of INEC, Prof Mahmoud Yakubu, is attributed to security concerns surrounding the safety of the election materials.
The electoral materials were transported in multiple trucks under heavy security on Friday afternoon, heading for the Federal Capital Territory. Among the materials moved to Abuja are election results, Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), and other sensitive documents relevant to the election.
An INEC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained that the decision was made to ensure the safety of the materials in the wake of repeated attacks on INEC officials, offices, and tribunal members by thugs allegedly sponsored by unidentified politicians. The move aims to facilitate the smooth operation of the Kogi State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal.
The decision aligns with the earlier relocation of the tribunal’s sitting to the National Judicial Council complex in Jabi, Abuja, due to security threats in Lokoja. Both the attack on INEC’s office in Lokoja and the threats to the safety of election materials were confirmed by INEC and the Kogi State Police Command in separate statements.
The attack on INEC’s office in Lokoja occurred when suspected thugs targeted the commission’s premises. Additionally, the residence of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr. Hale Longpet, was attacked by gunmen on December 1, 2023. While no lives were lost, the commission reported property damage during the gun battle that ensued for over 30 minutes.
In another incident, the Secretary of the Kogi State Election Petitions Tribunal, David Mike, was ambushed and nearly assaulted on his way to court, with thugs seizing petition documents. The series of security threats have prompted precautionary measures to safeguard electoral materials and ensure the integrity of the election process.
