Yobe SIEC Starts Candidate Screening for Local Elections

The Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission (YSIEC) has initiated the screening of candidates for the local government elections set for September 26. This screening process will take place from September 1 to 7 and will cover chairmanship, vice-chairmanship, and councillorship positions across the state's 17 local government areas.

YSIEC Chairman, Dr. Ibrahim Yabani, announced this during a press briefing in Damaturu, emphasizing that the exercise adheres to legal regulations and the commission's guidelines. The election date was originally scheduled for June 6 but was postponed to September 26 following an amendment by the Yobe State House of Assembly to the relevant electoral law.

This change was made to alleviate pressure on politicians and stakeholders, as the initial date was too close to the political party primaries for the 2027 general elections. The screening is being conducted simultaneously in the state's three Senatorial zones, with councillorship candidates screened at zonal centers and chairmanship and vice-chairmanship candidates evaluated at the commission's headquarters.