The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to establish special 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 (REC) in Plateau State, Professor Samuel Egwu, disclosed this during a multi-stakeholder dialogue on election security organised by the CLEEN Foundation in Jos.
The nine local government areas identified for the proposed arrangement are Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Jos South, Mangu, Kanam, Kanke, Wase and Bokkos.
Egwu explained that the initiative was intended to ensure that eligible voters displaced by insecurity would not be denied their fundamental right to participate in the electoral process. He noted that where security challenges prevent them from returning to their communities, INEC would make arrangements for them to vote at their places of displacement.
The REC added that votes cast by displaced persons would still be counted as part of their original wards and constituencies. He also called on political parties to collaborate with the commission in identifying displaced members and providing relevant information to facilitate proper documentation.
The dialogue brought together security agencies, election management officials, political stakeholders and community representatives to discuss measures for ensuring peaceful, free and credible elections in Plateau State.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the CLEEN Foundation, Peter Maduoma, represented by Dr Gabriel Akinremi, stressed the importance of citizens’ engagement, community threat mapping and collaboration among stakeholders in preventing election-related violence.
The Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Faniyan Ayodeji, represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Nengi Jepthah, also called on political actors and other stakeholders to play their roles responsibly, stressing that credible elections require collective commitment.
The proposed voting arrangement comes amid persistent security challenges that have forced residents from their communities, raising concerns about their participation in the 2027 general elections.
INEC’s plan is aimed at ensuring that displacement does not deprive eligible citizens of their opportunity to choose their leaders through the ballot.
