The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, met with traditional rulers from all 21 local government areas of Kogi State on Thursday, November 5, 2026, to seek their active collaboration for peaceful, transparent, and credible elections ahead of the 2027 general polls.
​The high-level stakeholder engagement convened during the morning session at the INEC State Headquarters in Lokoja. Addressing the assembled traditional council, Prof. Amupitan underscored that royal fathers hold a vital position in driving grassroots mobilisation, voter education, and civic harmony.
He pledged that the commission would deploy upgraded technological tools and fortify physical election infrastructure to guarantee a smooth voting process across every constituency.
​Highlighting the scope of the initiative, Prof. Amupitan stated that the consultation forms part of INEC’s nationwide readiness assessment tour to evaluate state operations, logistics frameworks, and security mechanisms well in advance of upcoming election cycles.
He noted that the commission is systematically visiting states to inspect facilities and align local strategies, adding that traditional rulers occupy a strategic position of trust within their communities.
He urged the monarchs to leverage their influence to foster voter awareness, actively discourage political violence, and build public confidence in electoral outcomes.
​Responding on behalf of the Kogi State Traditional Council, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, HRM Alhaji Tijani Muhammed Anaje, assured the electoral body of the traditional institution’s total support.
He committed to leading extensive anti-violence campaigns and promoting civic responsibility across their respective domains to ensure a seamless electoral exercise.
