The Independent National Electoral Commission has sought stronger collaboration with the National Orientation Agency in Yobe to enhance citizen mobilisation and participation in the 2027 elections.

The resident electoral commissioner in the state, Abubakar Ma’aji, made the call on Thursday during a courtesy visit to NOA’s Yobe directorate in Damaturu.

Mr Ma’aji, accompanied by senior management staff of the commission, said the visit aimed to strengthen the existing partnership between INEC and NOA.

He said the collaboration would help develop effective mobilisation strategies targeting citizens across different age groups and genders ahead of the elections.

The REC described NOA as a strategic partner in promoting civic and voter education and supporting the smooth conduct of elections.

The NOA director in Yobe, Zuwaira Ali, welcomed the REC and his team, saying the visit provided an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the two organisations.

Ms Ali identified civic and voter education, public enlightenment on electoral guidelines, countering election-related misinformation and disinformation, community engagement and joint sensitisation programmes as areas of possible collaboration.

She said the activities would span the state’s 17 council areas to ensure wider citizen engagement ahead of the 2027 elections.

The NOA director reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote informed citizen participation, peaceful elections and responsible civic engagement.

The visit ended with the presentation of NOA publications to the REC.

(NAN)