The Jigawa State Independent Electoral Commission (JISIEC) has announced that it has completed 95 percent of its preparations for the upcoming local government council elections, scheduled to take place on 05 October 2024. As part of its efforts to ensure a seamless, free, and fair election, the commission has recruited over 14,794 ad hoc staff who will oversee the electoral process across the state.
This announcement was made by the Executive Chairman of JISIEC, Alhaji Auwalu Harbo, during a press briefing on the commission’s readiness for the exercise. Alhaji Harbo confirmed that the recruitment and training of the ad hoc staff had been successfully completed. “We have provided intensive training for the ad hoc staff in various categories to ensure a hitch-free exercise,” he said.
The Chairman also disclosed that the election would be conducted at 4,522 polling units spread across the 287 political wards in Jigawaโs 27 local government areas. “We are ready to deliver a credible election that reflects the will of the people. With less than two weeks to go, the commission has already received both sensitive and non-sensitive materials necessary for the election,” Harbo added.
The commission, in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has also received the updated voters register to ensure that eligible voters can participate. Additionally, JISIEC has engaged in close cooperation with security agencies, media outlets, and political parties to guarantee a peaceful electoral process.ย
In the race for the 27 local government chairmanship seats and 287 councillor positions, 11 political parties, including the New Nigeria Peopleโs Party (NNPP), the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Labour Party, are set to participate.ย
To further support the credibility of the election, JISIEC has enlisted local and international observers to monitor the voting and counting processes across the polling units. The commission is also working hand-in-hand with the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to ensure a secure voting environment.
Voter education campaigns have been conducted across the state, aimed at educating the public on the importance of their participation and guiding them on how to properly cast their votes. This initiative has been promoted through various channels, including radio, television, social media, and community outreach programs.
With the preparations nearly complete, JISIEC has assured the people of Jigawa State that the election on 05 October will be free, fair, and peaceful. The commission has called on all candidates, political parties, and voters to conduct themselves in a responsible and lawful manner during the election period.
This local government election is poised to be a critical moment for the future of governance in Jigawa State, and the people are encouraged to come out and exercise their democratic rights.