INEC IDENTIFIES TWO GOMBE LGAS AS HIGH-RISK AREAS AHEAD OF SATURDAY’S BY-ELECTION

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By:Aminat Tajudeen

The Independent National Electoral Commission has identified Gombe and Funakaye Local Government Areas of Gombe State as high-risk locations ahead of Saturday’s by-election for the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency.

The State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Umar-Mukhtar Gajiram, disclosed this on Tuesday while speaking at a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security in the state.

Gajiram also listed Kwami Local Government Area as a security concern, citing recent attacks allegedly linked to herders and the area’s proximity to Borno State.

According to the REC, INEC’s electoral security assessment showed that Gombe and Funakaye face heightened risks, particularly due to the activities of political thugs popularly known as “Kalare boys.”

He warned that the activities of such groups could threaten the peaceful conduct of the poll through voter intimidation, disruption of voting and interference with electoral officials and materials.

“Gombe and Funakaye LGAs have been identified as areas of high electoral risk, particularly due to the activities of political thugs, popularly referred to as ‘Kalare boys,’” Gajiram said.

On Kwami, he said the area required increased security attention because of recent attacks attributed to herders, as well as its proximity to Borno State, which could create concerns over the movement of people and the possible spread of insecurity across state boundaries.

Gajiram clarified that the designation of the areas as high-risk was not intended to stigmatise their residents or communities but to help security agencies identify vulnerabilities and take appropriate preventive measures.

He urged security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance and information sharing, particularly regarding individuals and groups that could threaten the election.

“I particularly appeal for close monitoring of the activities of political thugs and other groups capable of disrupting the peace, especially in identified high-risk locations,” he said.

The REC, however, cautioned security personnel against arbitrary actions, stressing that any intervention must be lawful, professional and based on credible evidence.

“Our approach must remain lawful and evidence-based. Innocent citizens must not be harassed or prevented from exercising their rights on the basis of unsubstantiated allegations,” he said.

According to INEC records, the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency covers three local government areas, 31 registration areas and 903 polling units, with a total of 495,851 registered voters.

Gajiram said the size of the constituency and number of voters made effective security planning and coordination among relevant agencies essential to the success of the election.

He disclosed that INEC had received all the non-sensitive materials required for the poll, while training for Supervisory Presiding Officers had been completed. Training for Presiding Officers and Assistant Presiding Officers was still ongoing.

The REC also called on security agencies to ensure adequate protection for electoral officials, materials, polling units, registration areas, collation centres and other designated election locations.

“The safety of election officials is directly connected to the integrity of the election,” he said.

Gajiram further urged security personnel deployed for the election to remain neutral and professional, stressing that their responsibility was to safeguard voters and the electoral process rather than favour any political party or candidate.

“Our officers and men must be guided by the principle that security during elections is for the protection of the electoral process and the people, not for the advantage of any political party or candidate,” he added.

The Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency by-election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, September 19, 2026.