The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Gombe State, Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris, has commenced courtesy visits to key stakeholders in the electoral process, beginning with members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
During a visit to the office of the Commissioner of Police and Co-Chair of ICCES, CP Bello Yahaya, Dr. Idris emphasized the strategic role of security agencies in the delivery of credible elections. “As the 2027 General Elections approach, we will rely on your support and cooperation to deliver on our mandate,” he stated.
The REC noted that his decision to begin the familiarization tour with security agencies underscores their importance to the Commission’s operations. He expressed willingness to personally support the training of security personnel on election duties, saying, “I myself will lead the training if need be.”
Dr. Idris also briefed the Police Commissioner on the forthcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, scheduled to commence on 18th August, 2025 for online pre-registration, and 25th August, 2025 for in-person registration at the State Office and across the 11 Local Government Area offices of the Commission in Gombe State.
He called for the support of all security agencies and in particular the Nigeria Police, as the lead agency in election security, in ensuring a smooth and secure CVR exercise, while also encouraging officers and men of the Force to take advantage of the exercise to transfer their voter registration, correct any biodata errors, or replace lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). “This is important because if the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and amendments to the Electoral Act 2022 are successful, all those involved in election duties may have the opportunity to vote,” he added.
In his remarks, CP Bello Yahaya commended the REC for the visit and assured him of the full support of the Gombe State Police Command for all Commission activities. He also welcomed the REC’s offer of collaboration on training initiatives, stating that the Command would benefit from Dr. Idris’s wealth of experience.
Dr. Idris also paid a courtesy visit to the Commander of the Nigerian Army 301 Artillery Regiment (General Support), Col. Abubakar Mohammed, at his office along Yola Road. He concluded the day’s engagements at the Gombe State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), where he was warmly received by the State Commandant, Jibrin Idris. Both agencies pledged their full support for the Commission’s electoral activities in the state.
