INEC ZONE MINNA

26/10/2026

22/10/2026

**INEC NIGER STATE HOSTS SECURITY AGENCIES AT ICCES MEETING AHEAD OF 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS**

The Honourable Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), INEC Niger State, Dr. Oliver Tersoo Agundu, today, Thursday, hosted heads of security agencies in Niger State at the State Office Conference Room, Minna, for the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting.

The meeting was convened to strengthen collaboration and coordination among security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) towards ensuring peaceful, secure, and credible general elections scheduled for 16th January and 6th of February 2027.

The ICCES platform provides an opportunity for INEC and relevant security agencies to deliberate on potential security challenges, assess emerging threats, and develop effective strategies to prevent electoral violence and other security-related disruptions before, during, and after the elections.

The meeting also underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation, timely intelligence sharing, and proactive security measures in safeguarding the electoral process and ensuring that eligible voters can exercise their franchise in a peaceful and secure environment.

The Commission remains committed to working closely with all relevant stakeholders to promote electoral integrity, public confidence, and a credible electoral process in Niger State.

07/10/2026

03/10/2026

INEC Niger Trains LGTOs on Voter Register Display, Claims and Objections, PVC Collection

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Niger State, has commenced a training for Local Government Training Officers (LGTOs) on the Display of the Preliminary Register of Voters, Hearing of Claims and Objections, and the Management and Collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

The training, held at the State Collation Hall in Minna, was declared open by the Honourable Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Oliver Tersoo Agundu, in the presence of State Training Officers and facilitators from the Commission’s National Headquarters.

Dr. Agundu urged the participants to pay close attention to the training and ensure effective cascading of the knowledge and procedures to staff at the Local Government level, stressing the importance of a seamless and well-coordinated exercise.

In a related development, ICT personnel and other relevant officials of the Commission inspected the Permanent Voter Cards and other non-sensitive election materials recently delivered to the State, as part of preparations for the 2027 General Election.

03/10/2026

INEC NATIONAL SECRETARY TURBANED AS FIRST ‘GIMBIYAN RAYA KASAN MINNA.

All roads led to Minna, the Niger State capital, on Saturday, October 3, 2026, as top officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), dignitaries and well-wishers gathered at the Royal Palace of the Emir of Minna to witness the historic turbaning of the Commission’s National Secretary, Mrs. Rose Oriaran Anthony, as the first ‘Gimbiyan Raya Kasan Minna.’

The host Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Niger State, Dr. Oliver Tersoo Agundu, led the management staff of the Commission in the state to receive the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, and other National Commissioners at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna, from where they proceeded to the Sacred Royal Palace of the Emir of Minna for the ceremony.
Among the National Commissioners who graced the occasion were Abdulrazak Tukur Yusuf, Professor Sunday Nwambam Sunday Aja, and Rear Admiral Jamila Abubakar Sadiq Malafa (Rtd.), OFR, Dr. Ken Nwachukwu and Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
Resident Electoral Commissioners from Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Delta , Anambra, Enugu, Bayelsa and Kogi States also joined their Niger State counterpart, Dr. Oliver Tersoo Agundu, in witnessing the historic occasion.
Also present were Directors from the Commission’s Headquarters and Administrative Secretaries from almost all the states of the federation.

Speaking at the ceremony, the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, expressed appreciation to the Emir of Minna, Alhaji (Dr.) Umar Faruq Bahago, CON, for finding Mrs. Rose Oriaran Anthony worthy of the traditional title.
He described the honour as a resounding testament to her exceptional record of public service, unwavering commitment to duty and contribution to nation-building. He added that the recognition would serve as a beacon of inspiration to women in public service and governance across the country.
Professor Amupitan declared that the entire Commission stood in proud solidarity with the National Secretary on the auspicious occasion.
The INEC Chairman also used the opportunity to inform the Emir and the people of the Minna Emirate that the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) would commence on October 9, 2026. He urged all registered voters to collect their PVCs and encouraged eligible citizens to participate in the claims and objections process as part of efforts to ensure a credible, inclusive and transparent electoral process.
He further used the occasion to commiserate with the Minna Emirate over the death of 37 miners in the incident that occurred in the state in September.
In his remarks, the Emir of Minna, Alhaji (Dr.) Umar Faruq Bahago, CON, thanked the INEC Chairman and his entourage for honouring the occasion and expressed appreciation to Mrs. Rose Oriaran Anthony for accepting the traditional responsibility bestowed upon her.
The Emir described the new title holder as a woman who has consistently demonstrated love, commitment and dedication to her home through her exemplary life and service.
He wished Mrs. Rose Oriaran Anthony success in her new role as the ‘Gimbiyan Raya Kasan Minna’ and expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, INEC officials, family members and well-wishers who travelled from far and near to grace the historic occasion.
The historic ceremony brought together the leadership of the Commission, traditional institution and other stakeholders in colourful celebration of public service, cultural heritage and recognition of excellence.
The Emir concluded by wishing all guests a safe journey back to their respective destinations.
The colourful event was also graced by the Revered Emir of Gummi, His Highness Justice Lawal Hassan Gummi, who served as the Royal father of the day.

01/10/2026

*CAMPAIGN FOR DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCACY PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO INEC NIGER STATE*
The Campaign for Democracy and Human Rights Advocacy, a civil society organisation in Nigeria, on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Niger State, in Minna, to strengthen its existing relationship and reaffirm its commitment to supporting a peaceful, credible and inclusive 2027 General Election.
Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the organisation, Dr Abdullahi Muhammad Jabi, expressed appreciation to the Commission for the warm reception accorded the delegation and congratulated the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Oliver Tersoo Agundu, on his deployment to Niger State.
Dr Jabi explained that the purpose of the visit was to strengthen the existing partnership between the organisation and INEC, describing the Campaign for Democracy as an umbrella platform for civil society organisations committed to promoting democracy and good governance.
He assured the REC of the organisation's readiness to support efforts towards a successful 2027 General Election, while urging him to deploy his knowledge and wealth of experience in ensuring fairness and equal treatment for all political parties and stakeholders.
The Chairman also disclosed that the organisation, in collaboration with other civil society organisations, stakeholders and professional bodies, was planning a governorship candidates' debate tagged “Interface with the Nigerlites.” He explained that the programme would provide candidates of participating political parties with an opportunity to present their manifestos and engage with the electorate on issues affecting the state.
Dr Jabi further assured the Commission of the organisation's loyalty, partnership and support, stressing that such collaboration would contribute to effective and efficient delivery of the Commission's mandate. He also congratulated Dr Agundu on his appointment, describing him as one of the youngest Resident Electoral Commissioners.
Responding, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Oliver Tersoo Agundu, expressed appreciation to the organisation for the visit, saying he was pleased and eager to receive civil society organisations as important stakeholders in the electoral process.
Dr Agundu reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to maintaining its partnership with civil society organisations and thanked the delegation for the concerns and observations raised during the meeting.
He explained that INEC was working diligently to meet established timelines for electoral activities, noting that the Commission remained focused on delivering a seamless electoral process.
The REC informed the gathering that the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, is scheduled to address a world press conference on 6 October 2026 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Center, Abuja.
He further disclosed that some non-sensitive electoral materials had started arriving in the state, while the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) is expected to commence from 9 October 2026 following the successful completion of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
Dr Agundu also revealed that the Commission was currently undertaking a series of capacity-building programmes for its personnel, aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring effective, efficient and seamless service delivery.
He disclosed that the portal for the recruitment of ad hoc staff was currently open and encouraged interested and qualified persons to register. He stressed that despite existing security challenges, the Commission remained determined to fulfil its constitutional mandate.
The REC also assured the civil society organisations that the Commission had robust voter education and public awareness programmes lined up to deepen citizens' understanding of the electoral process and encourage greater participation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The meeting featured observations, questions and contributions from participants, which were addressed by the Commission.
In his closing remarks, the Head of Department, Operations, Mallam Abdulwaheed Sa'ad, thanked the Campaign for Democracy and Human Rights Advocacy for the visit and reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to conducting a free, fair, credible and inclusive election in Niger State in 2027.
The meeting ended on a note of renewed commitment to collaboration between INEC and civil society organisations towards strengthening democratic participation and ensuring a peaceful electoral process in Niger State.

24/09/2026

The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Niger State Chapter, on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Niger State, in Minna, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration and promote greater participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the electoral process.

Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of JONAPWD, Niger State Chapter, Mallam Ibrahim Ndako, expressed appreciation to the Commission for the warm reception accorded the association. He explained that the visit was aimed at further strengthening the existing relationship between the association and the Commission.

Mallam Ndako called for intensified voter education and sensitisation programmes to ensure that electoral information reaches persons with disabilities in all parts of the state.

He also appealed to the Commission to provide opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate as ad hoc election staff, stressing that their inclusion in electoral activities would further promote ownership and participation in the democratic process.

The JONAPWD Chairman further urged the Commission to continue working towards making polling units more accessible and disability-friendly, particularly for voters with mobility challenges.

Responding, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Niger State, Dr. Oliver Tersoo Agundu, apologised for commencing the engagement behind schedule and thanked the association for the visit, which he described as timely and important.

Dr. Agundu called on the association to develop and maintain comprehensive and reliable data on persons with disabilities in the state to assist relevant institutions in planning and delivering appropriate services to them.

The REC stated that INEC, under the leadership of the National Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, is committed to ensuring greater inclusivity in the electoral process and providing opportunities for all eligible citizens to participate.

He described persons with disabilities as critical stakeholders in the electoral process, noting that their participation was particularly important as the 2027 general elections draw closer and campaign activities have commenced.

Dr. Agundu assured the association that he would engage the Head of the Voter Education and Publicity (VEP) Department to further strengthen voter education and sensitisation activities targeted at persons with disabilities, noting that the Commission already has a number of activities lined up in this regard.

The REC also expressed delight at the association's interest in participating directly in election activities, particularly as ad hoc election personnel. He therefore encouraged interested members to apply promptly when recruitment opportunities are announced.

The engagement ended with a renewed commitment by both the Commission and JONAPWD to strengthen collaboration and promote an electoral process that is accessible, inclusive and participatory for persons with disabilities across Niger State.