Yobe LG poll: ADC alleges exclusion by YSIEC

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By Maryam Abdul-aziz Usman, Damaturu

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DAMATURU — The Yobe State chapter of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has accused the Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission, YSIEC, of excluding the party from crucial electoral information ahead of the 2026 local government election.

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The party threatened to seek legal redress and organise peaceful protests if the commission fails to address its concerns.

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ADC made the allegations in a letter of concern addressed to the Chairman of YSIEC, expressing what it described as “serious concern and disappointment” over the commission’s alleged failure to communicate election guidelines, timetable and other electoral decisions affecting its participation.

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The party said equal and meaningful access to electoral information was essential to the lawful participation of political parties in an election.

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It therefore demanded evidence of when, how and through which official channel the relevant guidelines, timetable and electoral decisions were communicated to it.

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“We therefore request clear evidence of when, how and through what official channel the relevant Guidelines, timetable and electoral decisions were communicated to ADC,” the party stated.

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According to ADC, failure to properly notify it of electoral requirements could prejudice its ability to participate fully in the council election.

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The party cited Sections 7, 40 and 197 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the Third Schedule, applicable electoral laws and YSIEC regulations in support of its concerns.

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ADC warned that it would pursue all lawful avenues if any action or omission by the commission affected its participation in the electoral process.

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“ADC hereby puts YSIEC on notice that, if our lawful rights or participation have been prejudiced by any failure of notification, we will pursue every lawful avenue available to protect our rights,” it stated.

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The party said such measures could include legal action, media engagement, social media advocacy and peaceful public protest.

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ADC also called on the commission to provide clarification and take appropriate corrective action if its participation had been affected by any failure of notification.

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The letter, dated September 2026, was addressed to the YSIEC Chairman, with copies sent to the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the Yobe State Government, the Political Adviser to the Governor, the Commissioner of Police, the state command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Department of State Services.

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As of the time of filing this report, YSIEC had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the ADC letter.

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The development comes as political parties prepare for the 2026 local government election in the state.

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