By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Taraba State, Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris, has embarked on a two-day advocacy and courtesy visit to security agencies, paramilitary organisations, and key stakeholders as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The visits were also aimed at sensitising stakeholders on the ongoing third phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which commenced on May 11 and is scheduled to end on July 10, 2026.
During the engagements, the REC appealed to the various organisations to support the Commission by using their platforms to educate and mobilise eligible citizens to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in preparation for future elections.
Dr. Idris stressed the importance of inter-agency cooperation in ensuring credible and peaceful electoral processes, particularly through the Inter-Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), which plays a critical role in election security planning and coordination.
On the first day of the tour, the REC visited the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the North East Development Commission (NEDC), the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
At the NOA and NYSC offices, he sought greater collaboration in the areas of voter education, public enlightenment, and mobilisation of corps members, who traditionally form a significant part of INEC’s ad hoc workforce during elections.
The second phase of the visits took the REC to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Federal Fire Service, the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army in Jalingo, and the Nigerian Correctional Service.
INEC said the engagements reflect the Commission’s proactive approach to electoral planning, stakeholder engagement, and preparations for the successful conduct of the 2027 General Elections in Taraba State.
