At least 46,983 registered voters have been displaced by violent attacks in Plateau State, presenting a significant logistical hurdle for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Sam Elegwu, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Plateau State, disclosed the figures in an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES. He confirmed that the displaced populations are dispersed across eight local government areas: Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Jos South, Mangu, Kanam, Riyom and Kanke.
According to Mr Elegwu, these eight areas encompass 95 registration areas (wards), of which 29 currently host displaced populations. While government agencies continue to address the humanitarian crisis, electoral officials are tasked with ensuring that citizens unable to return safely to their polling units are not disenfranchised.
INEC is currently mapping affected communities and compiling data to determine the best approach for IDP participation in the 2027 polls.
“If IDP voting is conducted, it will take place in those 29 registration areas, covering 770 polling units. Across the eight affected local government areas, we have 46,983 registered voters who are potentially affected,” Mr Elegwu said. A humanitarian crisis with electoral consequences
