The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised the alarm over possible violence during Saturday’s Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency by-election, identifying Gombe and Funakaye Local Government Areas as high-risk locations.
INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Gombe State, Umar-Mukhtar Gajiram, disclosed this on Tuesday while addressing members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security in the state.
Gajiram said the commission’s electoral security risk assessment identified the activities of political thugs, popularly known as “Kalare boys”, as a major threat to the peaceful conduct of the election in the two LGAs.
He warned that the groups could intimidate voters, disrupt polling and interfere with electoral officials and materials.
“For Gombe and Funakaye LGAs, we have identified areas of high electoral risk, particularly due to the activities of political thugs, popularly referred to as ‘Kalare boys’,” the REC said.
He also listed Kwami LGA as an area requiring heightened security attention, following recent attacks attributed to herders and its proximity to Borno State.
“Similarly, Kwami LGA presents its own security considerations. The area has recently witnessed attacks attributed to herders, while its proximity to Borno State also requires heightened vigilance,” Gajiram said.
He explained that the risk classification was not intended to stigmatise any community but to enable security agencies to identify vulnerabilities and deploy preventive measures ahead of the election.
The REC urged security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and information sharing, particularly on individuals and groups capable of disrupting the poll.
“I particularly appeal for close monitoring of the activities of political thugs and other groups capable of disrupting the peace, especially in identified high-risk locations,” he said.
Gajiram, however, cautioned security personnel against arbitrary arrests or harassment of citizens, stressing that all security measures must be lawful and based on credible evidence.
“Our approach must remain lawful and evidence-based. Innocent citizens must not be harassed or prevented from exercising their rights on the basis of unsubstantiated allegations,” he said.
The Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency comprises three local government areas, 31 registration areas and 903 polling units, with 495,851 registered voters, according to INEC records.
Gajiram said the size of the constituency and the security concerns surrounding some areas required effective planning, inter-agency coordination and timely deployment of personnel and resources.
He disclosed that INEC had received all the non-sensitive materials required for the election, while training for Supervisory Presiding Officers had been completed and that of Presiding Officers and Assistant Presiding Officers was ongoing.
The REC also called on security agencies to provide adequate protection for INEC officials, electoral materials, polling units, registration areas, collation centres and other designated locations.
“The safety of election officials is directly connected to the integrity of the election,” he said.
Gajiram further urged security personnel to remain professional and politically neutral throughout the exercise.
“Our officers and men must be guided by the principle that security during elections is for the protection of the electoral process and the people, not for the advantage of any political party or candidate,” he said.
The Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency by-election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
