From Alhaji Yusuf, Damaturu
The Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission (YBSIEC) has fixed June 6, 2026, for the conduct of elections into the 17 Local Government Chairmanship and Councillorship positions across the state.
The announcement was made by Mohammed Grema Nguru, Permanent Member I of YBSIEC, during a crucial stakeholders’ meeting held in Damaturu on Wednesday.
The meeting had in attendance security chiefs, political party leaders under the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), and members of the press.
In his address, Nguru disclosed that the election timeline had received the official approval of Yobe State Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni.
He outlined the commission’s roadmap for the exercise, stressing the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders. Nguru called on the media to intensify voter education and urged security agencies to ensure safety at all polling units.
According to him, the commission will soon release comprehensive election guidelines to all political parties.
Nguru further advised political parties to present candidates of “quality repute and substance” capable of delivering good governance at the grassroots level.
He listed the eligibility criteria for aspirants as follows
“Chairmanship Candidates must be at least 30 years old while Councillorship: Candidates must be at least 25 years old” Nguru disclosed
He added that all positions are open to any eligible resident without gender bias. Candidates must be of sound mind, not bankrupt, and must reside within their respective localities. A minimum qualification of a school certificate or its equivalent is also required.
Furthermore, all aspirants are expected to undergo security screening. Nomination fees have been pegged at N300,000 for Chairmanship, N250,000 for Vice-Chairmanship, and N200,000 for Councillorship positions.
Reaffirming the commission’s commitment to a transparent process, Nguru stated, “The State Independent Electoral Commission will undertake, organize, and supervise the local government council elections, which shall be free, fair, credible, and peaceful.”
He concluded by soliciting the support and cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure a successful election, while encouraging all eligible citizens to actively participate in the process.