From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna
As part of efforts to strengthen the credibility of the 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Niger State says it is addressing logistical, security and other challenges identified in previous elections.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Oliver Tersoo Agundu, stated this during an interactive session with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the media at the commission’s headquarters in Minna.
Agundu said the commission is taking comprehensive measures to deliver elections that are credible, inclusive, transparent and verifiable, noting that factors capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process are being addressed.
He stressed that credible elections depend largely on active participation and a secure environment, adding that INEC is working closely with heads of security agencies in Niger State to ensure voters can freely exercise their franchise without intimidation.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner also assured Internally Displaced Persons that modalities are being developed to ensure their full participation in the electoral process, maintaining that no eligible Nigerian should be disenfranchised.
According to him, special attention is also being given to Persons with Disabilities to enable them exercise their constitutional rights. During the engagement, a Braille ballot guide was tested and its effectiveness confirmed by a visually impaired participant.
Dr Agundu further urged eligible residents to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration and Permanent Voter Card collection exercise. Adding that more than two million, six hundred and thirty-three thousand voter cards have been collected in the state, while over sixty-nine thousand remain uncollected.
