The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called for stronger collaboration with traditional rulers, community leaders and security agencies to promote peaceful, credible and inclusive elections in Taraba State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Sa’ad Umar Idris, made the call during visits to INEC offices in Yorro and Zing Local Government Areas as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots electoral administration.
According to a statement signed by Marvin Mathias Bandawa, INEC’s Public Affairs Officer in Taraba State, Idris also visited the Kpanti Zing, Alhaji Ibrahim Sambo, who pledged the traditional institution’s support for voter education and sensitisation ahead of the elections.
The REC stressed the importance of engaging traditional institutions, civil society organisations, religious bodies, youth and women’s groups, persons with disabilities and security agencies to sustain peace throughout the electoral process.
He urged electoral personnel in Yorro and Zing to uphold professionalism and strengthen public confidence in the commission, particularly during the ongoing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) collection exercise.
The visits also enabled the REC and members of the state management team to assess the operational capacity of the local government offices, inspect available facilities and identify areas requiring improvement ahead of the 2027 elections.
Idris disclosed that renovation work would soon commence following approval by the commission. He also assured staff that efforts were underway to improve their welfare and working conditions.
He added that INEC was conducting professional training programmes at its national headquarters and state offices to strengthen staff capacity and enhance electoral service delivery.
On election security, the REC called for improved coordination among security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to identify and address potential threats to electoral activities.
At the Zing office, Idris monitored the PVC collection exercise and urged personnel to carry out their duties diligently, reaffirming the commission’s commitment to improving their working environment.
In his response, Sambo assured the REC that the Zing traditional council would support initiatives aimed at promoting peaceful electoral participation, credible elections and greater public awareness of the electoral process.
(Leadership)
