2027: INEC To Provide Voting Centres For IDPs in Plateau

The Independent National Electoral Commission says it is making plans to establish voting centres for internally displaced persons in nine local government areas of Plateau State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Plateau State, Prof. Samuel Egwu, disclosed this on Wednesday during a meeting with political party leaders and stakeholders at the commission’s headquarters in Jos, the state capital.

Egwu said the move was in fulfilment of Nigeria’s obligation under the Kampala Declaration on Internally Displaced Persons, which guarantees the right of displaced citizens to participate in elections.

“We don’t even know what will happen next week, but by the facts that we know now, we may have to prepare for IDP voting in nine local governments out of 17. This will happen in Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Jos South, Mangu, Kanam, Kanke, Wase and Bokkos,” he said.

The REC explained that where security challenges prevent voters from returning to their communities, INEC would set up voting arrangements in their places of displacement.

He, however, noted that such votes would still be computed as part of their original wards and constituencies.

“Nigeria is a signatory to the Kampala Declaration on internally displaced persons, and that means we signed as a country to do everything possible for everybody, including people displaced from their original homes, to vote during election,” Prof. Egwu stated.

“Their votes will still be taken to be counted as part of their wards for their taking part in choosing their local leaders in 2027,” he added.

Egwu expressed optimism that peace would return to the affected areas before the elections.

“Our prayer is that maybe normalcy will return and people can return to their original abode. But should that not happen, they will have the chance to be able to vote,” he said.