LG poll: Yobe SIEC begins screening of candidates

The Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission (YSIEC) has initiated the screening process for candidates participating in the upcoming local government elections scheduled for September 26. The commission plans to screen candidates for positions such as chairmanship, vice-chairmanship, and councillorship across the state's 17 local government areas.

Dr. Ibrahim Yabani, the YSIEC Chairman, revealed this information during a press conference in Damaturu. According to Yabani, the screening will occur between September 1 and 7, following the amendment of the relevant electoral law by the Yobe State House of Assembly. Originally, the election was set for June 6, but the date was changed to September 26 to avoid scheduling conflicts with political party primaries for the 2027 general elections.

The amendment allowed the commission to legally adjust the election timeline, as confirmed by Yabani. The screening process is taking place concurrently in the state's three Senatorial zones. Councillor candidates are being evaluated at zonal centers in Damaturu, Potiskum, and Nguru, while chairmanship and vice-chairmanship candidates are being assessed at the YSIEC headquarters in Damaturu.

Each zone is being overseen by teams composed of permanent commission members and technocrats to ensure a comprehensive and systematic screening process.