The Independent National Electoral Commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Taraba State, Sa’ad Umar Idris, has embarked on a two day advocacy and courtesy visits to security agencies, paramilitary organisations and other critical stakeholders as part of efforts to strengthen preparations for the 2027 general elections and also to mobilise support for the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
The two-day engagement, organised by the Taraba State office of INEC, was aimed at deepening collaboration with key institutions involved in the electoral process while also sensitising them on the third phase of the Continuous Voter Registration, which commenced on May 11 and is expected to end on July 10, 2026.
During the visits, Idris appealed to the various agencies and institutions to support the commission’s voter mobilisation campaign by using their official platforms to educate citizens on the importance of registering to vote and obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of future elections.
The REC stressed that increased voter participation remained critical to strengthening democratic governance and ensuring that eligible Nigerians are able to exercise their constitutional rights during elections.
According to him, collaboration among electoral stakeholders, particularly security and public institutions, would be crucial in guaranteeing credible, peaceful and transparent elections in the state.
On the first day of the exercise, the REC visited the Taraba State command of the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Northeast office of the North East Development Commission, the Taraba command of the Nigeria Immigration Service, the state office of the National Orientation Agency and the Taraba State coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps.
At the various institutions, Idris highlighted the strategic role of security agencies as members of the Inter-Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCES, noting that the committee plays a major role in election security planning, coordination and advisory functions before, during and after elections.
He also used the visits to seek stronger cooperation from the National Orientation Agency and the National Youth Service Corps in the areas of voter education and public enlightenment.
The REC particularly emphasised the importance of corps members to Nigeria’s electoral process, noting that members of the NYSC constitute a significant portion of INEC’s ad hoc workforce during elections.
On the second day of the advocacy tour, Idris visited the Taraba State commands of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Federal Fire Service, the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Jalingo, as well as the Nigerian Correctional Service.
INEC said the visits underscored the commission’s commitment to inclusive stakeholder engagement and strategic planning as preparations gradually intensify for the 2027 general elections.
The commission further noted that the advocacy engagements reflected the leadership drive of the REC in ensuring effective planning, administration, coordination and management of electoral activities in Taraba State.
INEC has continued to encourage eligible Nigerians who are yet to register as voters, as well as those seeking transfer of registration or replacement of damaged voter cards, to take advantage of the ongoing CVR exercise before the deadline in July.
