*’We’ll Be Fair To All’
By Okerafor Athanatius, Jalingo
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in its resolve towards ensuring free, fair, credible and transparent general elections in 2027, has restated willingness to conduct a mock accreditation exercise next month (November)
Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in Taraba State, Sa’ad Umar Idris, stated this during a stakeholders’ meeting on election readiness, PVC distribution and collaboration in the run-up to the elections.
At the event, held late Monday at INEC headquarters in Jalingo, Idris disclosed that the purpose of the mock accreditation exercise was to ensure the smooth use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) technology.
The State INEC boss who further used the forum to update the public on the commission’s readiness for the general elections, disclosed that preparations are in top gear.
“The renovation of some of our offices have commenced and ongoing, so that our facilities are fit for the tasks ahead. The training of our staff has already begun in different fields, and it will cascade down to ad-hoc staff as we approach the election date. The mapping of electoral facilities across the State is in progress, to help us plan polling arrangements properly.
“On technology, the testing of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has been completed. In November, we will conduct a mock accreditation exercise to ensure the smooth use of technology on election day”, he said.
Turning to the issue of recruitment of election officials, which exercise he revealed commenced on 18 September, 2026, Idris encouraged all eligible and interested citizens to apply via pres.inecnigeria.org, before it closes on 18 November, 2026.
On logistics, the commission announced its desire to collaborate with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), saying the union would render the services of hiring out of its vehicles for transport arrangements so that INEC staff members and materials reach every part of the State on time.
Calling on political parties to respect the rules of the game, Idris pledged equal treatment to all.
“To civil society and the media, your scrutiny keeps us honest, and your voter education work extends our reach to places we cannot reach alone.
“To our traditional and religious leaders, your influence and peace and good conduct in our communities is unmatched.
“To our security agencies, your professionalism and neutrality are essential to the safety of voters, election officials and materials such as electoral facilities”, he added.
With repeated assurances of transparency, credible, free and fair 2027 elections, the State INEC boss reiterated the need for all and sundry to know that peace is not the job of one agency alone, but a duty for all.
He however, urged the media and civil society organizations to verify all information before they publish, stressing that as the election draws near, and owing to the advent of AI, there will be fake news, AI-generated content to spread misinformation, rumours, and false claims, in an attempt to inflame sentiments.
“I also urge all political actors to avoid inflammatory language and to resolve grievances through lawful channels. Let us reject violence, vote buying and misinformation, and let the conduct of this election reflect the best of Taraba State”, he counseled.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Taraba INEC boss, Sa’ad Umar Idris (with mic) and others at the meeting.
