INEC Seeks Taraba Traditional Rulers’ Support For Peaceful Polls

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called for stronger collaboration with traditional institutions, community leaders and security agencies to promote peaceful 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 the commission’s offices in Yorro and Zing local government areas as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots electoral administration.

While in Zing, the REC visited the Kpanti Zing, Alhaji Ibrahim Sambo, who pledged the traditional institution’s support for voter education and sensitisation among residents ahead of the elections.

This is contained in a statement signed by the INEC public affairs officer in Taraba State, Marvin Mathias Bandawa yesterday.

The REC emphasised the importance of engaging traditional rulers, civil society organisations, religious bodies, youth and women’s groups, persons with disabilities and security agencies to sustain peace during electoral activities.

He, also urged electoral personnel in both local government areas to maintain professionalism and strengthen public confidence in the commission, particularly during the ongoing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) collection exercise.

The visits to Yorro and Zing also provided the REC and members of the state management team with an opportunity to assess the operational capacity of the commission’s local government offices, inspect facilities and identify areas requiring improvement ahead of the 2027 elections.

Dr. Idris disclosed that renovation work would soon commence following approval by the commission, and assured staff that efforts were ongoing to improve their welfare and working conditions.

He noted that the commission was conducting professional training programmes at its national headquarters and state offices to enhance staff capacity and improve electoral service delivery.

Dr. Idris further stressed the need for stronger security coordination, particularly through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), to address potential threats to electoral activities.

At the Zing office, the REC monitored PVC collection and encouraged staff to discharge their responsibilities diligently, assuring them of the commission’s commitment to improving their working environment.

Alhaji Ibrahim Sambo, assured the REC that the traditional council would support initiatives aimed at pro

Alhaji Ibrahim Sambo, assured the REC that the traditional council would support initiatives aimed at promoting peaceful participation, credible elections and greater public awareness of the electoral process.