By Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The Yobe State Government has fixed June 6, 2026 for the conduct of local government elections across the state’s 17 councils, signaling the start of an intense countdown to grassroots democracy.
The date was formally unveiled on Wednesday in Damaturu by Mohammed Grema Nguru, Permanent Member I of the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC), during a stakeholders’ engagement convened to fine-tune preparations for the polls.
Nguru disclosed that the Executive Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has approved the elections, paving the way for the emergence of new chairmen and councillors at the local level.
He stressed that SIEC is prioritising broad media engagement to ensure voters across the state receive timely and accurate information, while also calling on security agencies to collaborate closely in safeguarding polling units. According to him, early identification of flashpoints and enhanced security coverage will be key to a hitch-free exercise.
Political parties, Nguru said, will soon receive comprehensive election guidelines, urging them to present candidates of integrity and competence. “I have confidence in our stakeholders that, working together, we will deliver the desired outcome,” he assured.
Reaffirming SIEC’s mandate, Nguru pledged that the commission remains committed to free, fair, credible and peaceful elections, underscoring the need for collective responsibility before and on election day.
On eligibility, he outlined that aspirants must be at least 25 years for councillorship and 30 years for chairmanship, with no gender bias. Candidates must be resident in their communities, not bankrupt, and possess a minimum of a school certificate or its equivalent. Mandatory security screening will apply.
Nomination forms will attract statutory fees of ₦300,000 for chairmen, ₦250,000 for vice chairmen, and ₦200,000 for councillors, he added.
The meeting closed with a rallying call for robust stakeholder participation, setting the stage for what officials describe as a historic local government electoral process in Yobe State.
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