By Nworisa Michael
The Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission (YBSIEC) has officially fixed June 6, 2026, for the conduct of local government elections across the state’s 17 local government areas.
The announcement was made on Wednesday in Damaturu during a stakeholders’ engagement convened by the commission and attended by security agencies, political party representatives under the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), and members of the media.
Speaking at the meeting, Mohammed Grema Nguru, Permanent Member I of YBSIEC, disclosed that the election timetable had received the approval of Governor Mai Mala Buni, paving the way for the commencement of formal preparations.
Nguru emphasized that the success of the polls would depend on strong collaboration among stakeholders, calling on the media to intensify voter education while urging security agencies to ensure a safe and orderly electoral environment across all polling units.
He said the commission would soon release detailed election guidelines to political parties, stressing the importance of fielding credible candidates capable of delivering good governance at the grassroots level.
According to him, aspirants seeking the chairmanship position must be at least 30 years old, while councillorship candidates must be a minimum of 25 years. He added that the electoral process is open to all qualified residents without gender discrimination, provided they are of sound mind, not bankrupt, and bona fide residents of their respective local government areas.
Nguru further stated that a minimum educational qualification of a school certificate or its equivalent is required, and that all aspirants will be subjected to mandatory security screening.
On nomination fees, he announced that chairmanship aspirants will pay ₦300,000, vice-chairmanship candidates ₦250,000, while councillorship aspirants will pay ₦200,000.
Reaffirming the commission’s mandate, Nguru assured stakeholders that YBSIEC remains committed to conducting elections that are transparent, credible, and peaceful.
“The State Independent Electoral Commission will take full responsibility to organise, undertake, and supervise the local government council elections in a manner that is free, fair, credible, and peaceful,” he said.
He concluded by calling on all political parties, institutions, and eligible citizens to cooperate with the commission to ensure a successful electoral process.