By Nabilu Balarabe, Damaturu
January 7, 2026
The political landscape in Yobe State is set for a significant democratic exercise as the Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission (YBSIEC) has officially announced Saturday, June 6, as the date for the conduct of local government council elections. This announcement, made by the Commission’s Acting Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Nguru, at a news conference in Damaturu, marks a critical step in grassroots governance for the state’s 17 local government areas.
The elections, which have received the formal approval of Governor Mai Mala Buni, will usher in a new cohort of local leaders, including Chairmen, Deputy Chairmen, and Councillors. These officials form the bedrock of administration in Nigeria’s third tier of government, responsible for primary healthcare, basic education, local infrastructure, and community development.
Eligibility and Nomination: A Breakdown of Requirements
Alhaji Nguru provided detailed criteria for prospective candidates, emphasizing both constitutional requirements and state-specific stipulations. To contest, an individual must:
- Be a citizen of Nigerian origin from Yobe State.
- Attain a minimum age of 25 years for Councillorship and 30 years for Chairmanship and Vice-Chairmanship positions.
- Be of sound mind, not bankrupt, and a resident of their local community.
- Possess a minimum of a School Leaving Certificate (First School Leaving Certificate) or its equivalent.
- Successfully undergo mandatory security screening—a crucial step in a region with a history of security challenges.
Financial Commitment: Cost of Nomination Forms
The commission has set the following non-refundable fees for nomination forms, which act as a financial gatekeeping mechanism:
- Chairmanship: ₦300,000
- Deputy Chairmanship: ₦250,000
- Councillorship: ₦200,000
These figures represent a significant financial commitment for aspirants and are often a topic of public debate regarding inclusivity in the political process. The funds are typically used by the electoral body to offset part of the logistical costs of conducting the polls.
YBSIEC’s Commitment and Call for Collaboration
Acting Chairman Nguru reiterated the commission’s preparedness to organize a free, fair, and credible election. He outlined a multi-stakeholder approach essential for success:
- For Political Parties: YBSIEC will provide comprehensive election guidelines to ensure parties present candidates “of repute and substance.” This underscores the commission’s role in promoting quality leadership beyond mere procedural oversight.
- For Security Agencies: Nguru called for proactive collaboration, specifically requesting help to identify and secure potential “flash points” to prevent violence or disruptions. This is particularly pertinent given the state’s context within the Northeast region.
- For the Media: The commission solicited responsible media partnership in two key areas: comprehensive coverage of the electoral process and public education campaigns to discourage vote-buying, violence, and other malpractices that undermine electoral integrity.
Context and Significance: Why Local Elections Matter
Local Government elections in Nigeria are often overshadowed by state and federal polls, yet they are arguably the most immediate to citizens’ daily lives. The officials elected on June 6 will be directly responsible for managing local markets, primary healthcare centers, basic sanitation, and community security frameworks. Their effectiveness directly impacts poverty alleviation and service delivery at the grassroots level.
The announcement of a firm date by YBSIEC provides a clear timeline for political parties to conduct primaries, for aspirants to campaign, and for civil society organizations to commence voter education programs. It represents a commitment to constitutional order and democratic renewal at the local level, a vital component of Nigeria’s federal structure.
Reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Edited by Isaac Ukpoju.
