The Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission (YBSIEC) has officially scheduled the local government council election in the state for May 25, 2024. This decision was communicated by Dr. Mamman Mohammad, the executive chairman of YBSIEC, during a meeting with political party leaders and stakeholders in Damaturu.
Dr. Mamman revealed that Governor Buni had granted approval to the commission to modify the election date for the 17 chairmen and 178 councilors of the local governments in Yobe state. The chosen date, May 25, 2024, aligns with the provisions of section 197 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.
During the announcement, Dr. Mamman emphasized that political parties would receive election guidelines, facilitating the selection of candidates who possess credibility and substance, aiming to foster good governance at the grassroots level. Addressing his staff and electoral officers, he urged them to intensify their efforts to ensure the success of the polls.
Dr. Mamman assured that the commission would take responsibility for organizing and supervising the local government council election, emphasizing the principles of being free, fair, credible, and peaceful.
“The political parties will be issued with election guidelines to enable them fill in suitable candidates of repute and substance that will yield good governance at the grassroots level.
“To my staff and electoral officers, you must double your efforts to ensure success at the polls.
Furthermore, Dr. Mamman outlined the eligibility criteria for Yobe indigenes aspiring to contest for councillorship and chairmanship positions.
Individuals must be at least 25 and 30 years old for councillorship and chairmanship positions, respectively, without any gender bias.
Additionally, candidates must be mentally sound, financially stable, and residents in the local community.
They should possess a minimum educational standard of a secondary school certificate or its equivalent and undergo a security screening process.
In essence, the electoral process in Yobe state aims to uphold democratic principles and inclusivity, ensuring that competent individuals, meeting specific criteria, have the opportunity to contribute to local governance.
