The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced plans to conduct the 2027 general elections in Internally Displaced Persons camps across Plateau State to ensure that eligible displaced voters are not denied their constitutional right to vote.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Plateau State, Prof. Sam Egwu, disclosed this on Wednesday during a one-day workshop on electoral security and capacity building held in Jos.
Egwu said the commission was committed to conducting inclusive elections, stressing that displacement caused by insecurity should not prevent citizens from participating in the democratic process.
“INEC is making provisions for elections to hold in IDP camps in 2027.
“We have learnt from previous experiences that displacement should not mean the loss of voting rights,” he said.
The REC identified insecurity as one of the major challenges facing election management in Plateau, particularly in communities affected by communal conflicts and bandit attacks.
He said the commission was working closely with security agencies, traditional institutions and civil society organisations to develop strategies that would guarantee peaceful, credible and violence-free elections in the state.
According to him, strengthening the capacity of election officials and key stakeholders remains critical to the successful conduct of the polls.
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“Capacity building for our staff and stakeholders is key. If our personnel are not secure and do not understand the security terrain, we cannot deliver credible polls,” Egwu said.
He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to improving electoral preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections through enhanced collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
The workshop, themed “Electoral Security and Capacity Building,” brought together security agencies, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, representatives of civil society organisations, the media and political parties to discuss measures aimed at ensuring peaceful and credible elections in Plateau State.
