Taraba REC seeks security agencies’ backing ahead of 2027 elections

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Taraba State, Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris, has called on security agencies and other stakeholders to support the Commission’s ongoing Continuous Voter Registration, CVR, exercise through public sensitization and voter education campaigns.

Dr. Idris made the appeal during a two-day advocacy and courtesy visit to security agencies, paramilitary formations and key institutions across the state as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the REC, the visits also served to formally notify stakeholders of the commencement of Phase III of the ongoing CVR exercise, which began on May 11 and is scheduled to end on July 10, 2026.

He urged the agencies to use their various platforms to educate residents on the importance of voter registration and the collection of Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, stressing that the process would enable eligible citizens to participate fully in future elections.

Speaking during the engagements, the REC emphasized the strategic role of security agencies as members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), noting that they remain critical to election planning and security coordination.

At the NOA and NYSC offices, he sought stronger collaboration in the areas of voter education, public enlightenment and civic engagement, while also highlighting the contribution of corps members to election duties as a major component of INEC’s ad hoc workforce.

On the second day, the REC visited the State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, the Controller of the Federal Fire Service, the Brigade Commander of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army in Jalingo, and the Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service.

INEC said the visits underscore the Commission’s commitment to strategic leadership, effective election management and stakeholder engagement as preparations gradually gather momentum for the 2027 general elections.