The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says internally displaced persons in nine local government areas of Plateau State will be able to vote from designated centres during the 2027 general elections.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Plateau State, Oliver Agundu, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting in Jos, where he said the commission was putting measures in place to ensure that displacement caused by insecurity does not prevent eligible voters from participating in the elections.
The affected local government areas are Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Jos East, Jos North, Jos South, Mangu, Riyom and Wase.
Many residents in the areas have been displaced from their communities following insecurity and communal clashes.
Agundu said INEC had commenced consultations with relevant stakeholders and would establish designated voting centres in locations where displaced persons are currently residing.
“We are planning for IDPs in the affected local government areas to vote in designated centres during the 2027 general elections.
“No eligible voter should be denied the opportunity to exercise his or her civic responsibility because of displacement.”
The Plateau REC stressed that eligible voters retain their constitutional right to participate in elections regardless of their displacement status.
He also urged displaced residents to keep their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) safe and take part in voter registration and voter-update exercises whenever INEC opens the relevant processes.
The planned arrangement is aimed at preventing voters displaced by insecurity from being excluded from the electoral process and ensuring broader participation in the 2027 general elections.
INEC’s engagement with stakeholders is expected to help determine the locations and operational details of the designated voting centres before the polls.
How did this story make you feel?
Join the conversation
Share a thoughtful response. Submissions may be reviewed before appearing.
