Strengthening Electoral Collaboration in Lagos
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State held a strategic meeting on Tuesday with security agencies, political party leaders, and various stakeholders. The session aimed to bolster inter-agency collaboration and ensure the peaceful conduct of the 2027 General Elections.
Prof. Ayobami Salami, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Lagos, stated that the commission has transitioned from strategic planning to active operational implementation. According to Salami, nine of the 14 scheduled milestones for the 2027 election cycle had been successfully completed as of October 6.
Operational Logistics and Infrastructure
Addressing the specific challenges of Lagos—including its dense population, traffic congestion, and riverine geography—Salami emphasized the need for tailored logistical solutions. The state currently hosts over 7.4 million registered voters across 13,325 polling units. To support the national electoral process, INEC is procuring 57,000 additional Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices and preparing for the deployment of more than 100,000 vehicles and 4,000 boats nationwide.
The commission is also in the process of recruiting approximately 1.4 million election personnel through the INECPRES portal, with the application window set to close on November 18.
Security and Integrity Measures
A primary focus of the meeting was the prevention of electoral violence and malpractice. Through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), led by the Nigeria Police Force, INEC intends to mitigate risks such as vote-buying, ballot snatching, and intimidation. Salami urged political actors to conduct their activities within the bounds of the law, warning against the use of violence as a tool for political competition.
The REC also addressed the growing threat of digital misinformation. He cautioned against the use of artificial intelligence to create deepfakes, synthetic audio, and manipulated images, urging the public and media to verify all election-related information through official INEC channels.
Commitment to Inclusivity
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to accessibility by providing assistive materials for persons with disabilities, including Braille ballot guides and magnifying glasses. Salami called on civil society organizations and community leaders to continue their support in promoting civic responsibility and voter education to ensure a transparent and inclusive electoral process.