2027: INEC Plans Voting Centres For IDPs In 9 Plateau LGAs

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed plans to establish voting centres for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in nine local government areas of Plateau State ahead of the 2027 general election to ensure that eligible voters are not disenfranchised.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Prof. Samuel Egwu, listed the affected local government areas as Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Jos South, Mangu, Kanam, Kanke, Wase and Bokkos.

Egwu said internally displaced persons had the fundamental right to vote despite their displacement, adding that the initiative was part of efforts to ensure that all eligible voters could exercise their franchise.

He spoke at a multi-stakeholder dialogue on election security management organised by the CLEEN Foundation in Jos on Wednesday ahead of the 2027 general election.

The meeting brought together security agencies, election stakeholders and community representatives to discuss measures for promoting peaceful elections in the state.

Earlier, the Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Mr Peter Maduoma, said the engagement was part of the organisation’s contribution to sustainable peace in Plateau State as the country approaches the 2027 general election.

Maduoma, who was represented by Dr Gabriel Akinremi, said citizens’ engagement, community threat mapping and multi-stakeholder dialogue were critical to election security.

“Citizens’ engagement on election security, community threat mapping and multi-stakeholder dialogue are very vital to a peaceful, free and fair election,” he said.

According to him, the forum provided an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss and develop strategies for improving election security before, during and after the elections.

He added that the dialogue would culminate in the signing of a peace accord by stakeholders in the state.

In his remarks, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Mr Faniyan Ayodeji, commended the CLEEN Foundation for convening the dialogue, describing it as an important platform for promoting collaboration towards peaceful and credible elections.

Ayodeji, who was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Mr Nengi Jepthah, said the credibility of elections depended on stakeholders fulfilling their responsibilities.

“For the country to have a credible election, it is salient for all stakeholders to do the right thing,” he said.

He stressed the need for all actors to play their roles responsibly and called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, election stakeholders, community representatives and members of the public to prevent activities capable of undermining the electoral process.