Yobe ADC wants answers on missing LG poll info

The Yobe State chapter of the African Democratic Congress is asking the Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission for answers. They want to know why the commission did not share important guidelines and other details about the 2026 Local Government Council election with the party.

The party also warned that they might take legal action if this lack of communication affects their rights or ability to participate in the election.

This concern was raised in a letter signed by the state chairman, Umar Alhaji, on Wednesday and shared with PUNCH Online.

Alhaji said the ADC is worried that YSIEC has not properly communicated essential information about the upcoming local government elections to them. They are a registered political party and should be included in the electoral process.

He called the situation serious, emphasizing that equal access to electoral information is key for fair 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 is asking the electoral commission for clarification on when and how they shared the relevant electoral guidelines, timetable, and decisions with 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 worries go beyond just getting information. They are also concerned about how any lack of communication could affect their ability to fully participate and meet deadlines related to the election.

The ADC believes their position is backed by parts of the 1999 Constitution, including Sections 7, 40 and 197, along with other electoral laws and regulations.

He said the party is letting YSIEC know that they will take the necessary legal steps if their rights or participation are harmed by this communication failure.

"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's immediate hope is for the electoral commission to give a quick explanation and make any needed corrections.

"We respectfully expect an urgent explanation and appropriate corrective action," the statement added.

The letter was also sent 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 act quickly, saying that clear and timely communication with political parties is vital for a credible and fair electoral process.