The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged political parties and their supporters in Taraba State to refrain from provocative remarks and pursue electoral grievances through lawful means ahead of the January 2027 general elections.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Sa’ad Umar Idris, gave the warning on Monday during a stakeholders’ meeting focused on election preparedness, Permanent Voter Card (PVC) distribution and cooperation among key actors ahead of the polls.
Idris also urged journalists and civil society organisations to exercise caution when disseminating information, particularly as artificial intelligence (AI) tools make it easier to generate and circulate misleading content. He warned that fabricated reports, rumours and unverified claims could heighten political tensions during the election period.
“Such content could be deliberately circulated to inflame public sentiments and create tension among political supporters and communities.”
He called on political parties to comply with electoral regulations and assured stakeholders that INEC would maintain impartiality in its dealings with all parties.
“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,” he said.
The REC also acknowledged the contributions of traditional rulers and religious leaders to peaceful coexistence, urging them to continue promoting responsible behaviour and harmony within their communities.
Reaffirming the commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair, credible and transparent elections in Taraba, Idris disclosed that preparations for the 2027 polls were already in progress.
He said INEC was mapping electoral facilities across the state to support effective logistics, improve planning and ensure that appropriate arrangements were made for polling units in different locations.
As part of the preparations, the commission is considering a mock accreditation exercise in November 2026 to assess its level of readiness for the elections.
Idris further announced plans to work with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to facilitate the movement of election officials and sensitive materials across the state.
According to him, the proposed arrangement would involve hiring vehicles to ensure that personnel and electoral materials arrive at their designated locations on time.
The commission’s appeal comes as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, with INEC emphasising compliance with electoral laws, responsible public communication and cooperation among political stakeholders as essential elements of a peaceful electoral process.
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