The Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission (YSIEC) has commenced the screening of candidates ahead of the September 26 local government elections across the state’s 17 local government areas.
The exercise, which will run from September 1 to 7, covers candidates vying for chairmanship, vice-chairmanship and councillorship positions.
YSIEC chairman, Dr Ibrahim Yabani, disclosed this yesterday during a press briefing in Damaturu, noting that the process is being conducted in line with the law and the commission’s guidelines.
According to him, the commission had earlier fixed June 6 for the polls, but the date was adjusted to September 26 following an amendment to the relevant electoral law by the Yobe State House of Assembly.
Yabani explained that holding the election in June would have clashed with political party primaries for the 2027 general elections, thereby placing undue pressure on politicians, journalists and other stakeholders.
“What it means is that we are fully within the law; we are not breaking any regulations. That is why it was seamless for us to move the date to the 26th of September,” he said.
The chairman added that the screening is taking place simultaneously across the state’s three senatorial zones.
Councillorship candidates are being screened at zonal centres in Damaturu, Potiskum and Nguru, while chairmanship and vice-chairmanship candidates are being evaluated at the commission’s headquarters in Damaturu.
He said separate teams comprising permanent members and technocrats of the commission had been constituted to ensure a thorough and transparent exercise.
YSIEC reiterated its commitment to conducting credible, free and fair local government elections in the state.
Yobe electoral commission begins screening candidates for September 26 council elections