Yobe SIEC Begins Screening Of Candidates For September 26 LG Elections

The Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) has commenced the screening of candidates ahead of the September 26, 2026 Local Government Elections across the state’s 17 local government areas.

The commission’s Executive Chairman, Ibrahim Yabani, announced the development during a press briefing in Damaturu, the state capital.

Yabani explained that candidates contesting the chairmanship and vice-chairmanship positions will be screened in Damaturu, while those seeking councillorship seats will undergo screening at the commission’s three zonal offices.

The SIEC chairman said the local government election was initially scheduled for June 2026 but had to be moved to September following the timing of political party primaries across the country.

“Our election should have taken place in June 2026, but looking at the party primaries across the country, we realised it’s going to be very stressful for us, the stakeholders, including you, the mass media. So the state government approached the state Assembly to amend the law for the election to hold in September, 2026”

He maintained that the adjustment was carried out within the provisions of the law and did not violate any legal requirement.

“This means that we are within the law; we are not breaking any law. I can tell you categorically today that we are commencing the screening of all candidates, including those vying for chairmanship, vice chairmanship, and councillorship positions; this exercise will last for 7 days,” he said.

Yabani also disclosed that the September election will be digitised for the first time as part of efforts to improve the electoral process and ensure a smooth exercise.

According to him, the commission has fully equipped its newly constructed situation room with the necessary facilities to support the digitised election.

On the recruitment of ad hoc personnel, Yabani said electoral officers are responsible for submitting the names of prospective staff.

He noted that the commission had not yet received the list for screening and approval but expressed confidence that the process would be completed within two weeks.