(DDM) – The escalating wave of insecurity in Kwara State has forced Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) staff in Patigi and Edu Local Government Areas to vacate their duty posts.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the officials abandoned voter registration centres after intelligence warnings suggested they could become “soft targets” for armed gangs terrorizing the region.
Reports indicate that INEC offices in both LGAs have remained locked for much of the week, halting the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise that began in August.
Residents expressed frustration over the suspension, stressing that the disruption threatens their democratic rights ahead of the 2027 general elections.
One source explained that INEC staff were too frightened to continue working in rural towns, pointing to the desertion of Lade in Patigi after multiple raids.
“The INEC staff are scared. They don’t want to risk being kidnapped or attacked,” the source revealed.
Analysts warn that any abduction of electoral personnel could cause national embarrassment and further pressure the Tinubu administration.
An INEC staff member disclosed that officials had been instructed to obtain clearance from security agencies before resuming duties.
“There is no assurance of our safety. The INEC chairman has said there is no money to pay ransom if anyone is kidnapped,” the official said.
Even local communities reportedly advised INEC workers to avoid exposing themselves, fearing they might be targeted by bandits and informants.
Residents of Patigi and Edu lamented that insecurity is denying them access to voter registration, with many stranded and unable to enroll.
A community leader in Patigi voiced frustration, stating that people want to register so they can elect a government that prioritizes safety.
“But how can you risk going out to register when you’re not sure you’ll return home alive? The fear is real,” he added.
He accused Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of neglecting the crisis, claiming the governor was abroad on vacation instead of addressing security challenges.
“The governor is junketing around the world while Kwara is burning. He has refused to hand over to his deputy,” the community leader alleged.
However, Kwara’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Hale Gabriel Longpet, denied that INEC staff had completely abandoned their duties.
He acknowledged that security challenges disrupted the first day of registration on August 25, but insisted that police and other agencies had since been deployed.
According to him, registration is ongoing at INEC’s local government headquarters in major towns, though turnout remains low.
“When there is an atmosphere of insecurity, people naturally avoid gathering in large numbers,” Longpet explained.
He urged journalists to rely on direct eyewitness accounts rather than speculative reports, insisting that the CVR exercise is still alive in Kwara North.
Despite his assurances, fear continues to grip the region, with many residents reluctant to approach registration centres.
Observers warn that unless urgent security measures are put in place, thousands of eligible voters could be disenfranchised in 2027.
The standoff highlights the growing challenge of conducting credible elections in areas plagued by banditry and kidnappings.
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