From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Taraba State, Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris, on Wednesday toured the Yorro and Zing Local Government Area offices of the Commission to assess their administrative, physical and structural readiness for electoral activities.
The familiarisation visits, which kick-start the REC’s tour of all Local Government offices ahead of the 2027 General Election, are in line with INEC’s mandate to ensure seamless operational efficiency, electoral integrity and institutional readiness across all administrative tiers.
According to the Commission, the primary objectives of the visits were to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of physical infrastructure and logistical equipment, evaluate local electoral preparedness and staff operational capacity, and engage with field staff and local stakeholders to boost morale and address administrative challenges.
The tour was also aimed at verifying security protocols and inter-agency collaboration frameworks in both LGAs, as a follow-up to the REC’s recent engagement with members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
At the Yorro LGA office, Dr. Idris and his State Management Team were received by the Electoral Officer (EO) and members of staff. The visit commenced with a brief meeting, followed by a comprehensive tour of the office complex and the LGA storage facility. The REC disclosed that renovation works would soon commence in the office as graciously approved by the Commission.
Addressing staff, Dr. Idris assured them that the Commission was working tirelessly to improve their welfare, particularly allowances, and thanked the INEC Chairman and the entire Commission for the enhanced monthly overheads and imprests. He noted that various professional trainings were ongoing at the headquarters and state levels, adding that the Commission, in collaboration with ICCES at all levels, was working to improve security for field officers.
He urged the EO and staff to strengthen ties with traditional institutions, CSOs, religious bodies, youth and women groups, persons with special needs and local security agencies to sustain peace during the ongoing Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection and other electoral activities.
In Zing LGA, the delegation was welcomed by the Electoral Officer and staff. The REC monitored the ongoing PVC collection exercise, interacted with staff, and charged them to put in their best as impartial electoral umpires, assuring them of continuous improvement in welfare and work environment. He commended the Zing office for maintaining a robust working relationship with local bodies and security agencies.
The tour was rounded off with a courtesy visit to the First Class Chief of Zing, Kpanti Zing, Alhaji Ibrahim Sambo. The traditional ruler welcomed the REC and pledged his commitment to support voter education and sensitization among his subjects for a free, fair, credible, safe, peaceful and inclusive 2027 general election.
