The exercise will also enable the Commission to identify areas requiring urgent attention and implement measures to strengthen service delivery at the local government level
By Mmesoma Onwuka
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has intensified preparations for the 2027 General Election in Taraba State, focusing on electoral security, staff welfare, infrastructure upgrades and improved operational readiness at the grassroots.
The efforts include closer collaboration with security agencies and an assessment of the Commission’s Local Government Area (LGA) offices to identify challenges that could affect the smooth conduct of electoral activities.
As part of the security drive, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Sa’ad Umar Idris, led senior management officials on a courtesy visit to the newly posted Taraba State Commissioner of Police, CP Edwin Ogbegbagha, at the Police Command Headquarters in Jalingo on October 15, 2026.
The meeting, held under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), addressed strategies for protecting INEC offices, electoral materials and personnel ahead of the polls.
The discussions also examined intelligence sharing, early warning systems and coordinated responses to potential security threats across the state’s 16 Local Government Areas.
Idris expressed appreciation to the Police Command for its continued support in providing a secure environment for democratic activities.
Ogbegbagha, in response, assured the INEC delegation of the Command’s commitment to professional, impartial and intelligence-led policing to protect the electoral process.
Both institutions agreed to sustain their partnership to maintain law and order and ensure peaceful electoral activities before, during and after the 2027 elections.
REC Begins Inspection of INEC Facilities
In a separate development, Idris has commenced an operational assessment of INEC offices across Taraba State, beginning with Yorro and Zing Local Government Areas on October 21, 2026.
The visits are intended to examine the condition of office facilities, logistics, staff capacity, security arrangements and other operational requirements ahead of the general election.
The exercise will also enable the Commission to identify areas requiring urgent attention and implement measures to strengthen service delivery at the local government level.
At the Yorro office, the REC and his management team inspected the facilities and storage area after being received by the Electoral Officer and other members of staff.
Idris disclosed that renovation work would begin soon following the Commission’s approval, raising expectations of improved working conditions and operational efficiency.
He acknowledged improvements in monthly overheads and imprests, while assuring staff that efforts would continue to improve their welfare, professional development and working environment.
The REC also highlighted INEC’s ongoing professional training programmes and called for stronger collaboration with security agencies under the ICCES framework to protect electoral facilities and personnel.
INEC Urges Community Engagement for Peaceful Elections
Idris urged electoral officers and staff to deepen engagement with traditional rulers, civil society organisations, religious institutions, youth and women’s groups, persons with disabilities and local security agencies.
He said cooperation among these stakeholders was important for promoting peaceful Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection and supporting other electoral activities.
During the visit to the Zing LGA office, the REC monitored the ongoing PVC collection exercise and charged staff to remain diligent and committed to their responsibilities.