The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, says internally displaced persons, IDPs, in nine local government areas of Plateau State will be able to vote from designated centres during the 2027 general elections.

Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Plateau State, Oliver Agundu, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting in Jos, explaining that the commission is making arrangements to ensure that displaced voters are not disenfranchised.

According to Agundu, the affected local government areas include Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Jos East, Jos North, Jos South, Mangu, Riyom and Wase, where insecurity and communal clashes have forced many residents from their communities.

He said INEC had already begun engagements with relevant stakeholders and would establish special voting centres in locations where displaced persons are currently residing to enable them participate in the electoral process.

The REC stressed that every eligible voter has a constitutional right to vote regardless of displacement, adding that the commission remains committed to conducting inclusive elections.

“We are planning for IDPs in the affected local government areas to vote in designated centres during the 2027 general elections.

“No eligible voter should be denied the opportunity to exercise his or her civic responsibility because of displacement.”

Agundu also urged displaced persons to safeguard their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs and participate in voter registration and update exercises whenever the commission opens the window for such activities.

The initiative is part of INEC’s efforts to deepen electoral inclusion and ensure that citizens affected by insecurity are not excluded from the democratic process ahead of the 2027 polls.

The Ebonyi State Government has declared that Governor Francis Nwifuru will not be distracted by what it described as “political theatrics, sponsored attacks and staged protests” ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Chief Ikeuwa Omebeh, made the assertion in a statement issued in Abakaliki on Wednesday, accusing unnamed political interests of attempting to substitute propaganda for facts and distract the administration from its development agenda.

Omebeh urged Ebonyians to disregard what he described as “orchestrated distractions,” insisting that the governor remained focused on governance and the implementation of his People’s Charter of Needs agenda.

He said the government recognised the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful protest and legitimate criticism but warned that such rights should not be exploited to mislead the public, create tension or undermine the state.

“Governor Nwifuru remains focused, undistracted and committed to delivering on his mandate. His Excellency will not be distracted by political theatrics, sponsored attacks or attempts to divert his attention from the task of building a more prosperous, peaceful and developed Ebonyi State,” Omebeh said.

The commissioner said recent media publications, social media narratives and protests against the administration appeared designed to distract attention from its activities in infrastructure, education, healthcare, workers’ welfare, rural development, human capital development and empowerment.

He challenged critics to subject their allegations to facts and allow citizens to assess the administration through its projects and programmes.

“Let the people visit the communities, inspect the projects and speak directly with the beneficiaries of government programmes. The evidence of governance is visible across the State,” he said.

Omebeh maintained that political opposition was inevitable in a democratic society but argued that constructive criticism should not be replaced with what he called misinformation and politically motivated attacks.

He said the Nwifuru administration remained open to legitimate criticism and constructive suggestions, stressing that criticism must be founded on facts, patriotism and concern for the common good.

The commissioner also cautioned youths against allowing themselves to be used as instruments in political campaigns aimed at destabilising the state or distracting government from its responsibilities.

He said Ebonyi required unity and development-focused engagement rather than “manufactured controversies capable of undermining public confidence.”

According to him, the administration’s performance should be measured by its impact on the lives of residents rather than the volume of criticism against it.

“Development is not measured by the volume of criticism it generates, but by its impact on the lives of the people,” Omebeh said.

He assured Ebonyians that Nwifuru would remain focused on governance despite political pressure, adding that the administration would continue to pursue programmes aimed at improving the welfare and living conditions of citizens.