Foh Leads ECOWAS Fact-Finding Mission to Nigeria to Review 2027 Election Preparedness
Osman Tolo Sesay An ECOWAS pre-election delegation has engaged Nigeria’s police leadership in Abuja to assess security preparedness and identify potential threats ahead of the country’s 2027 general elections.
The delegation, led by former Sierra Leone Vice President H.E. Victor Bockarie Foh, met with senior officials of the Nigeria Police Force at its Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Umar Shehu Nadada, who oversees the Department of Operations, received the delegation alongside senior officers responsible for counterterrorism, border security, arms management, the Police Mobile Force, crime prevention, administration and special protection.
During the meeting, police officials outlined measures being developed to address security threats that could undermine the electoral process, including terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
Nadada and his team also briefed the ECOWAS delegation on ongoing threat assessments, security operations and collaboration with other agencies to protect vulnerable communities, election officials and electoral materials while ensuring voters can safely access polling stations.
The discussions further examined the role of intelligence-sharing, technology, emergency response planning and regular security assessments in identifying potential electoral flashpoints and addressing emerging threats.
The ECOWAS mission stressed that effective election security must be supported by professional, impartial and accountable policing. It also called for adequate protection for voters, candidates, women participating in politics, election officials and observers.
The delegation raised concerns about political violence, the use of thugs and unauthorized security groups, and the spread of misinformation and disinformation. It emphasized the need to enforce political peace agreements and strengthen public trust through effective communication and community engagement.
Particular attention was also given to security arrangements for women candidates, updated assessments of potential flashpoints and measures to prevent misinformation from disrupting the electoral process.
The Nigeria Police Force assured the delegation of its commitment to securing the elections and creating conditions for peaceful political participation before, during and after the polls.
The engagement highlighted the importance of early security planning, cooperation among national institutions and regional collaboration in preventing election-related violence and ensuring that eligible Nigerians can exercise their voting rights without intimidation.