By Gabriel Ameh
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Taraba State, Sa’ad Umar Idris, has commenced a two-day advocacy and courtesy visit to security agencies, paramilitary organisations and other critical stakeholders to strengthen preparations for the 2027 general elections and enhance support for the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
The engagement, organised by the Taraba State office of INEC, is aimed at deepening collaboration with institutions that play strategic roles in the electoral process while also sensitising them on the third phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise, which began on May 11 and will end on July 10, 2026.
During the visits, Idris urged the agencies and institutions to support INEC’s voter mobilisation campaign by using their official platforms to educate citizens on the need to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of future elections.
He stressed that increased voter participation remains essential to strengthening democratic governance and ensuring that eligible Nigerians can exercise their constitutional rights during elections.
According to the REC, collaboration among electoral stakeholders, particularly security and public institutions, would be critical to ensuring peaceful, credible and transparent elections in Taraba State.
On the first day of the advocacy tour, Idris visited the Taraba State command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the North East Development Commission (NEDC) Northeast office, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in the state.
Speaking during the visits, the REC highlighted the important role security agencies play as members of the Inter-Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), noting that the committee is responsible for election security planning, coordination and advisory functions before, during and after elections.
He also sought stronger collaboration from the National Orientation Agency and the National Youth Service Corps in the areas of voter education and public sensitisation.
Idris further described corps members as critical to Nigeria’s electoral process, noting that NYSC members constitute a significant part of INEC’s ad hoc workforce during elections.
On the second day of the exercise, the REC visited the Taraba State commands of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Federal Fire Service, the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Jalingo and the Nigerian Correctional Service.
INEC said the visits reflect the commission’s commitment to inclusive stakeholder engagement and strategic planning as preparations gradually intensify for the 2027 general elections.
The commission also noted that the advocacy tour demonstrates the REC’s commitment to effective planning, coordination and management of electoral activities in Taraba State.
