The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in Adamawa state participate in the February’s election.

It also disclosed that 912,312 Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs, were distributed in the state.

Speaking in Yola, during the handing over ceremony, the outgoing Electoral Commissioner in the state, Kassim Gaidam, noted that the task force on IDPs had made recommendation which included options to enable IDPs in the affected LGAs to vote in the general elections.

“The various options recommended included designation of safe havens as a Constituency due to the legal requirements of Constituency and residency voting,” Mr. Gaidam said.

“These options are subject to security cover. Also, establishment of voting centres for IDPs to vote as if they are in their original Constituencies using same voters register and all other infrastructure for voting as in normal local governments.”

The outgoing electoral commissioner explained further that Intensive Voter Education for the 2015 General Elections was carried out,as according to him, “all plans and approvals are in place. As usual, jingles, posters, flyers in radio and TV stations are being be emphasized. This is critical because of the plan to use signages and engage guides for the IDPs voting centres.”

In the meantime, list of contestants has been displayed at the state office notice board for public scrutiny in line with the provision of the Electoral Act.

“No petitions or any court order have been received so far. Stakeholders, ICCES and SICVEP Meetings are being held because they are very critical for the success of all our activities. Stakeholders will all key in and take ownership of the electoral process and thus ease tension and ensure peace,” Mr. Gaidam stressed.

The new electoral Commissioner, Baba Yusuf, vowed to run an open door policy for the success for the election.

“All hands must be on deck to succeed. Elections is a collective responsibility, so no stone will be left unturned towards achieving desired results,” he said.