Yobe announces date for LG poll

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The Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission has fixed Saturday, June 6, 2026, for local government elections in all 17 councils across the state.

The date was announced on Wednesday in Damaturu by YBSIEC Permanent Member I, Mohammed Nguru, during a stakeholders’ meeting that brought together security agencies, leaders of political parties under the Inter-Party Advisory Council, and members of the media.

Nguru explained that the election timetable has been approved by Governor Mai Mala Buni and noted that the polls are intended to deepen democratic governance at the grassroots level.

‎“This stakeholders’ meeting is critical to the success of the forthcoming elections. We have brought together security agencies, political parties under the Inter-Party Advisory Council, and the media because the conduct of a credible election requires collective effort, cooperation, and shared responsibility among all stakeholders,” Nguru stated.

‎“The commission is finalising arrangements to issue comprehensive election guidelines to all political parties. These guidelines will clearly outline procedures, timelines, and requirements, and we urge political parties to study them carefully and comply fully to ensure a smooth and orderly electoral process,” he added..

‎“Political parties are encouraged to present candidates of quality, repute and substance. The kind of leadership we produce at the local government level will directly affect service delivery, accountability, and development within our communities.

‎“For eligibility, chairmanship candidates must be at least 30 years of age, while councillorship candidates must not be less than 25 years old. All positions are open to eligible residents without any form of gender discrimination. Aspirants must be of sound mind, must not be bankrupt, and must be bona fide residents of their local communities,” he explained.

‎“A minimum educational qualification of a school certificate or its equivalent is required for all aspirants, and every candidate will undergo mandatory security screening. These measures are necessary to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that only qualified individuals contest for office.

‎“Nomination fees have been fixed at ₦300,000 for chairmanship, ₦250,000 for vice-chairmanship, and ₦200,000 for councillorship positions. The State Independent Electoral Commission will therefore take full responsibility to undertake, organise, and supervise the local government council elections, and we assure the people of Yobe State that the process will be free, fair, credible, and peaceful,” he declared.

He concluded by appealing for cooperation from all stakeholders and encouraged qualified citizens to participate actively in the electoral process.