INEC Gombe: Designates High-Risk LGAs for By-Election

• INEC has identified Gombe and Funakaye LGAs as high-risk areas for the upcoming Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency by-election.
• Political thuggery, specifically by 'Kalare boys,' is the primary reason for the high-risk designation in Gombe and Funakaye.
• Kwami LGA is also a security concern due to recent herder attacks and its proximity to Borno State.
• The State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Umar-Mukhtar Gajiram, urged security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and ensure lawful, evidence-based responses.
• The by-election, involving 495,851 registered voters across three LGAs, 31 Registration Areas, and 903 Polling Units, is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026.

The safety of election officials is directly linked to the overall integrity of the election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially designated Gombe and Funakaye Local Government Areas (LGAs) within Gombe State as high-risk zones in anticipation of the upcoming Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency by-election. This critical assessment was unveiled by Umar-Mukhtar Gajiram, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), during a recent address to the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) in the state.

According to the commission's comprehensive INEC electoral risk assessment Gombe, these two LGAs present significant electoral vulnerabilities. Gajiram further highlighted Kwami LGA as an additional area of security concern, citing specific threats that necessitate heightened vigilance. The overall objective of this identification is to proactively address potential challenges to the peaceful and orderly conduct of the by-election.

The primary factors contributing to the high-risk classification of Gombe and Funakaye LGAs are the pervasive activities of political thugs, locally known as 'Kalare boys.' These groups pose a substantial threat to the electoral process, with their potential actions including voter intimidation, disruption of polling activities, and interference with election officials and materials. Such actions are deemed capable of undermining the integrity and fairness of the vote.

For Kwami LGA, the security concerns stem from a different set of challenges. The area has recently experienced attacks attributed to herders, creating an atmosphere of instability. Furthermore, its geographical proximity to Borno State necessitates increased attention, particularly regarding the movement of individuals and the potential for insecurity to spill over territorial boundaries. These Funakaye Kwami election security concerns underscore the complex security landscape surrounding the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye by-election security. The REC clarified that this identification of high-risk areas is not intended to stigmatize any community but rather to enable security agencies to pinpoint vulnerabilities and implement appropriate preventive measures.

In light of the identified risks, Gajiram issued clear directives to security agencies, urging them to intensify intelligence gathering and information sharing. A particular emphasis was placed on closely monitoring individuals or groups capable of disrupting the peace, especially within the designated high-risk locations. This proactive approach is crucial for effective Nigeria election security monitoring.

However, the REC also cautioned security personnel against arbitrary actions, stressing that all responses must be lawful and evidence-based. He underscored the importance of protecting innocent citizens, ensuring they are not harassed or prevented from exercising their voting rights based on unsubstantiated allegations. The by-election, scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026, encompasses three Local Government Areas, 31 Registration Areas, and 903 Polling Units, with a total of 495,851 registered voters, necessitating robust security planning and inter-agency coordination.

INEC has confirmed the receipt of all non-sensitive materials required for the election, and training for Supervisory Presiding Officers has been successfully concluded, with training for Presiding Officers and Assistant Presiding Officers currently underway. Gajiram appealed to security agencies to provide comprehensive protection for all INEC personnel, electoral materials, polling units, registration areas, collation centres, and other designated locations, emphasizing that the safety of election officials is directly linked to the overall integrity of the election.

He further stressed the imperative for security personnel to maintain professionalism and impartiality throughout the electoral process. Their fundamental role, Gajiram asserted, is to safeguard the electoral process and the citizenry, rather than to favor any particular political party or candidate. This commitment to neutrality and protection is vital for ensuring a credible and peaceful outcome.

Lawyers advising political parties, candidates, or election observers in the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency should note the identified high-risk LGAs (Gombe, Funakaye, Kwami) due to political thuggery and herder activities. This necessitates heightened vigilance regarding voter intimidation, potential disruptions, and ensuring the safety of personnel and materials during the upcoming by-election.

Source: Original reporting via The PUNCH