The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Taraba State has intensified preparations for the 2027 general elections, with Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Sa’ad Umar Idris, inspecting its offices in Yorro and Zing Local Government Areas to assess infrastructure, logistics, staff capacity and electoral security.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Sa’ad Umar Idris, led the assessment tour on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, to evaluate the offices’ infrastructure, logistics, staff capacity and preparedness for electoral activities.
According to a statement by the Commission’s Public Affairs Officer in Taraba State, Marvin Mathias Bandawa, the visits marked the commencement of the REC’s tour of local government offices ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The exercise was also aimed at engaging field officers, addressing administrative challenges, strengthening staff morale and assessing security arrangements and inter-agency collaboration in the two local government areas.
At the Yorro office, Idris, accompanied by members of the state management team, inspected the office premises and storage facility after a meeting with the Electoral Officer and other staff.
The REC disclosed that renovation work would soon commence at the office following approval by the Commission.
He also assured staff that INEC was working to improve their allowances and welfare, while commending the Commission for increasing monthly overheads and imprests.
Idris noted that professional training programmes were ongoing at the Commission’s headquarters and state offices, adding that efforts were being made to improve security for field operations in collaboration with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
He urged the Electoral Officer and staff to strengthen engagement with traditional institutions, civil society organizations, religious bodies, youth and women’s groups, persons with special needs and local security agencies to ensure peaceful PVC collection and other electoral activities.
At the Zing Local Government Area office, the REC monitored the ongoing Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection exercise and interacted with staff, urging them to remain committed to their responsibilities.
He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to improving staff welfare and creating a better working environment for effective service delivery.
The visit also highlighted the Zing office’s collaboration with local institutions, security agencies and the Zing Traditional Council.
As part of the engagement, Idris visited the First-Class Chief of Zing, Alhaji Ibrahim Sambo, who pledged the traditional institution’s support for voter education and sensitization among his subjects.
Sambo also expressed his commitment to efforts aimed at ensuring a free, fair, credible, safe, peaceful and inclusive 2027 general elections.
The REC’s visits form part of INEC Taraba State’s efforts to strengthen grassroots operations, improve institutional preparedness and address logistical and security concerns ahead of the next general elections.
