Yobe ADC demands clarification over exclusion from LG poll
September 9, 2026 10:48 pm
The Yobe State chapter of the African Democratic Congress has demanded clarification from the Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission over its alleged failure to communicate key guidelines and other electoral activities relating to the 2026 Local Government Council election to the party.
The party, however, warned that it would pursue legal action and other lawful measures if the alleged failure to notify it adversely affected its rights or participation in the election.
This was contained in a formal letter of concern signed by the state chairman, Umar Alhaji, on Wednesday and made available to PUNCH Online.
Alhaji said the party was concerned that YSIEC had allegedly failed to adequately communicate important information relating to the 2026 local government elections to the ADC, despite the party being a duly registered political party participating in the electoral process.
He described the development as serious, stressing that equal and meaningful access to electoral information was essential to lawful political participation.
“The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Yobe State Chapter, expresses its serious concern and disappointment over the apparent failure of YSIEC to adequately communicate to our Party the 2026 Local Government Council Election Guidelines and other material electoral activities affecting our participation as a duly registered political party,” the statement partly read.
The ADC chairman said the party was demanding clarification from the electoral commission on when, how and through which official channel the relevant electoral guidelines, timetable and decisions were communicated to the party.
He said, “We therefore request clear evidence of when, how, and through what official channel the relevant guidelines, timetable, and electoral decisions were communicated to ADC.”
According to Alhaji, the party’s concern was not merely about access to information but also the potential impact of any communication failure on its ability to participate fully and comply with requirements and deadlines connected with the election.
The ADC maintained that its position was supported by relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, including Sections 7, 40 and 197, as well as the Third Schedule and applicable electoral laws and regulations.
According to him, the party consequently put YSIEC on notice that it would take appropriate lawful steps if its rights or participation were adversely affected by the alleged failure to communicate the relevant electoral information.
“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, including appropriate legal action and lawful engagement with the press, media, social media, and peaceful public protest,” Alhaji stated.
The party, however, said its immediate expectation was for the electoral commission to provide an urgent explanation and take corrective measures where necessary.
“We respectfully expect an urgent explanation and appropriate corrective action,” the statement added.
The statement was copied to the Yobe State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; the Government of Yobe State; the Political Adviser to the Executive Governor; the Commissioner of Police, Yobe State Command; the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Yobe State Command; and the Director of the Department of State Services in the state.
The ADC urged YSIEC to address the matter promptly, saying timely and transparent communication with participating political parties was necessary to ensure a credible and inclusive electoral process.
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