Civil Society Urges INEC To Clarify Voting Arrangements For IDPs In Zamfara

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been urged to make adequate provisions to ensure that internally displaced persons (IDPs) are not disenfranchised in the 2027 general elections.

The call was made during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by INEC in Zamfara State, held at the commission’s office in Gusau.

The meeting, which brought together political party representatives, civil society organisations, the media and groups representing persons with disabilities, aimed to provide updates on INEC’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the meeting, the Zamfara State Resident Electoral Commissioner disclosed that the state recorded 313,115 registrations under the Continuous Voter Registration exercise as of August 2026.

He said the figure represented approximately 16.04 per cent of the 1,952,060 registered voters recorded in the state during the 2023 general elections.

On the collection of Permanent Voter Cards, Dr. Isah said the exercise would continue at INEC offices across the 14 local government areas following the conclusion of ward-level collection on October 15, 2026.

Meanwhile, a member of the Zamfara State Civil Society Organisations, Ibrahim Tudu, called on INEC to clarify how internally displaced persons living in host communities would participate in the forthcoming elections.

He noted that some displaced persons were residing in Gusau, while others were scattered across different communities, stressing the need for clear guidelines on how they could vote using their existing Permanent Voter Cards.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities in Zamfara State, Bilyaminu Umar, appealed to INEC to ensure fair representation of persons with disabilities in the recruitment of ad hoc election personnel.

The association said inclusive recruitment would provide opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate actively in the electoral process.

The meeting also featured questions and contributions from participants, with INEC officials providing responses and clarifications on issues raised concerning preparations for the 2027 general elections.