Insecurity: We can’t access 4 local govts in Borno -INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that voter registration for four local government areas in Borno State will be conducted outside their headquarters due to ongoing security concerns.

The affected LGAs Abadam, Guzamala, Kala-Balge, and Marte  are among 27 local governments in the state, but remain unsafe for full operations.

Borno State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Abubakar Ahmed Ma’aji, disclosed this during a press briefing in Maiduguri on Friday.

“Please note that for security and factors relating to safety, four INEC LGA offices will conduct the physical (In-person) registration at locations within the Maiduguri metropolis,” he said.

According to Ma’aji, eligible residents of Abadam are to register at Yerwa Peace, Baga Road, Maiduguri; Guzamala residents at the Fire Service Department, 1,000 Housing Estate, Maiduguri; Kala-Balge residents at Goni Kachallari Primary School, Mafa Road, Maiduguri; while those from Marte will register at Kachamari, opposite Shettiram Filling Station, Gamboru-Ngala Road, Maiduguri.

The registration exercise will take place in three phases:
“Phase 1: August 28 – December 10, 2025 (register display December 15 – 21)
Phase 2: January 5 – April 17, 2026 (register display April 20 – 26)
Phase 3: May 4 – August 17, 2026 (register display August 24 – 30)

“This exercise is a national call to civic duty, and we are committed to ensuring every eligible citizen has the opportunity to participate,” Ma’aji said, urging public cooperation and continued support from the media.

He also assured that INEC will provide regular updates as the process unfolds.