The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to establish voting centres for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in nine local government areas of Plateau State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Professor Samuel Egwu, disclosed this while speaking at a stakeholder meeting on election security and preparations for the forthcoming polls.
Egwu listed the affected local government areas as Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Jos South, Mangu, Kanam, Kanke, Wase and Bokkos.
He said internally displaced persons had a fundamental right to vote despite their displacement, adding that the initiative was part of efforts to ensure that no eligible voter was disenfranchised.
The discussion formed part of broader efforts to strengthen collaboration among security agencies, election management bodies, community representatives and other stakeholders to promote peaceful and credible elections in the state.
Earlier, the CLEEN Foundation convened a multi-stakeholder dialogue on election security management in Plateau State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The dialogue, held on Wednesday in Jos, aimed to strengthen cooperation between security agencies, election management bodies and the public to support peaceful, free and fair elections.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the CLEEN Foundation, Peter Maduoma, said the engagement was part of the organisation’s contribution to promoting sustainable peace in Plateau State as the country approaches the polls.
Maduoma, who was represented by Dr Gabriel Akinremi, identified citizen engagement and threat mapping as essential elements of election security.
“Citizens’ engagement on election security, community threat mapping and multi-stakeholder dialogue are very vital to a peaceful, free and fair election,” he said.
He explained that the forum provided an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss security challenges and develop strategies to improve election security before, during and after the polls.
According to him, the dialogue would culminate in the signing of a peace accord by stakeholders in the state.
In his remarks, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Faniyan Ayodeji, commended the CLEEN Foundation for organising the dialogue, describing it as an important platform for promoting cooperation and credible elections.
Ayodeji, who was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Nengi Jepthah, said electoral credibility depended on stakeholders fulfilling their responsibilities.
“For the country to have a credible election, it is salient for all stakeholders to do the right thing,” he said.
He urged political actors, security agencies, election officials, community representatives and members of the public to act responsibly and work together to prevent activities capable of undermining the electoral process.
The discussions underscored the importance of inclusive voting arrangements for displaced persons and coordinated security efforts as Plateau State prepares for the 2027 general elections.
