The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has identified Gombe and Funakaye Local Government Areas of Gombe State as high-risk areas ahead of Saturday’s by-election in the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency.
The State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Umar-Mukhtar Gajiram, disclosed this on Tuesday while addressing members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security in Gombe.
Gajiram said INEC’s electoral security risk assessment also identified Kwami Local Government Area as a security concern due to recent attacks allegedly linked to herders and the area’s proximity to Borno State.
According to him, Gombe and Funakaye were classified as high-risk locations largely because of the activities of political thugs popularly known as “Kalare boys.”
He warned that the activities of such groups could threaten the peaceful conduct of the election by intimidating voters, disrupting polling and interfering with electoral officials and materials.
INEC seeks heightened securityThe REC urged security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and information sharing ahead of the September 19 by-election, particularly in areas identified as vulnerable.
He stressed that the classification of the affected LGAs was not intended to stigmatise any community but to enable security agencies to identify potential threats and deploy appropriate preventive measures.
Gajiram said security personnel must closely monitor political thugs and other groups capable of disrupting the electoral process.
He, however, cautioned security agencies against arbitrary arrests or harassment, insisting that all security responses must be lawful and evidence-based.
He said innocent citizens must not be prevented from exercising their constitutional rights based on unsubstantiated allegations.
Constituency has 495,851 registered votersThe Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency comprises three Local Government Areas, 31 Registration Areas and 903 Polling Units.
INEC records show that a total of 495,851 voters are registered in the constituency.
Gajiram said the size and scope of the election required effective security planning, inter-agency coordination and timely deployment of personnel and resources.
He also disclosed that the commission had received all non-sensitive electoral materials required for the poll.
According to him, training for Supervisory Presiding Officers had been completed, while the training of Presiding Officers and Assistant Presiding Officers was ongoing.
INEC officials, materials require protectionThe REC called on security agencies to provide adequate protection for INEC personnel, electoral materials, polling units, registration areas, collation centres and other designated locations.
He said the safety of election officials was directly linked to the credibility and integrity of the electoral process.
Gajiram further urged security personnel to remain professional and impartial throughout the election, stressing that their responsibility was to protect voters and the electoral process rather than serve the interests of any political party or candidate.
The Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency by-election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
