2027: INEC to establish voting centres for IDPs in nine Plateau LGAs

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, says internally displaced persons, IDPs, in nine local government areas of Plateau State will be able to vote from designated centres during the 2027 general elections.

Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Plateau State, Oliver Agundu, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting in Jos, explaining that the commission is making arrangements to ensure that displaced voters are not disenfranchised.

According to Agundu, the affected local government areas include Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Jos East, Jos North, Jos South, Mangu, Riyom and Wase, where insecurity and communal clashes have forced many residents from their communities.

He said INEC had already begun engagements with relevant stakeholders and would establish special voting centres in locations where displaced persons are currently residing to enable them participate in the electoral process.

The REC stressed that every eligible voter has a constitutional right to vote regardless of displacement, adding that the commission remains committed to conducting inclusive elections.

“We are planning for IDPs in the affected local government areas to vote in designated centres during the 2027 general elections.

“No eligible voter should be denied the opportunity to exercise his or her civic responsibility because of displacement.”

Agundu also urged displaced persons to safeguard their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs and participate in voter registration and update exercises whenever the commission opens the window for such activities.

The initiative is part of INEC’s efforts to deepen electoral inclusion and ensure that citizens affected by insecurity are not excluded from the democratic process ahead of the 2027 polls.