ADSIEC Begins Screening Of Chairmanship Candidates Ahead Of 2026 LG Polls

The Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission (ADSIEC) has commenced the screening of chairmanship candidates contesting the 2026 Local Government Council elections, assuring political parties and aspirants of a transparent, credible and fair process.

The Chairman of the Commission, Alhaji Muhammed Umar, gave the assurance on Monday at the commission’s headquarters in Yola while declaring the screening exercise open.

Alhaji Umar said the exercise marks a critical stage in the electoral process leading to the Local Government elections scheduled for June 13, 2026. He explained that the screening covers chairmanship candidates of all participating political parties, as well as their running mates.

Welcoming members of the State Screening Committee and other stakeholders, the ADSIEC Chairman recalled that preparations for the elections began last year with the publication of the Notice of Election on July 10, 2025. He noted that this was followed by a series of consultative meetings with political party leaders and security agencies across the state to ensure inclusiveness, strict compliance with electoral guidelines and the peaceful conduct of the polls.

According to him, all political parties conducted their primaries in line with the approved timetable and subsequently collected, completed and submitted the required nomination forms—CF 001 and EC 4C. He disclosed that the commission had received, verified and published the particulars of all candidates at Local Government offices and the ADSIEC headquarters, in accordance with best electoral practices.

Describing the screening as a key milestone in the electoral timetable, Alhaji Umar said the Screening Committee was carefully constituted to guarantee professionalism and credibility. He explained that the committee comprises ADSIEC officials alongside representatives of key security and regulatory agencies, including the Nigeria Police, the Directorate of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Board of Internal Revenue.

“These are men of unquestionable character, carefully selected to ensure an impartial and credible screening process,” he said.

The ADSIEC Chairman assured candidates and political parties that the exercise would be conducted with the highest level of transparency and fairness, stressing that all aspirants would be given equal opportunity and that no party or individual would be given preferential treatment.

He added that the commission and the Screening Committee would strictly adhere to the rule of law and ethical standards throughout the exercise.

Alhaji Umar also commended the media for their objective and consistent coverage of ADSIEC activities, noting that the role of the press is crucial in strengthening public confidence in the electoral process.

He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to delivering a free, fair and credible Local Government Council election in Adamawa State and wished all participants a successful screening exercise.

In separate remarks, chairmanship candidates from various political parties expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the screening, describing it as orderly, transparent and professionally managed.

The candidates commended ADSIEC for providing a level playing field and clear guidelines, noting that the process had further boosted their confidence in the commission’s preparedness to conduct credible Local Government Council elections.