The Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission (YBSIEC) has fixed Saturday, June 6, 2026, for the conduct of local government council elections across the state’s 17 local government areas.
The announcement was made on Wednesday in Damaturu by Permanent Member I of the commission, Mohammed Nguru, during a stakeholders’ meeting attended by security agencies, political party leaders under the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), and members of the media.
Nguru said the commission was finalising comprehensive election guidelines for political parties, outlining procedures, timelines, and requirements. He urged parties to study the guidelines carefully and ensure full compliance to guarantee a smooth and orderly process.
He encouraged political parties to present credible and competent candidates, noting that leadership at the local government level directly impacts service delivery, accountability, and community development.
According to him, eligibility criteria stipulate that chairmanship candidates must be at least 30 years old, while councillorship candidates must not be younger than 25. All positions are open to qualified residents without gender discrimination. Aspirants must be of sound mind, not bankrupt, and bona fide residents of their communities, with a minimum educational qualification of a school certificate or its equivalent. Mandatory security screening will also be conducted for all candidates.
Nguru disclosed that nomination fees have been set at ₦300,000 for chairmanship, ₦250,000 for vice-chairmanship, and ₦200,000 for councillorship positions. He assured residents that YBSIEC would fully organise and supervise the elections, which he said would be free, fair, credible, and peaceful.
He appealed to all stakeholders for cooperation and encouraged eligible citizens to participate actively in the electoral process, adding that the timetable had received the approval of Governor Mai Mala Buni.
Nguru described the stakeholders’ meeting as critical to the success of the polls, stressing that credible elections require collective effort and shared responsibility among security agencies, political parties, and the media.
