The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), backed by Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has asked its state, LGA and ward executives to appoint dedicated party members as polling agents for the 2027 elections.
Umar Bature, PDP organising secretary, spoke on Monday during a capacity-building exercise organised for state executives on uploading agents’ details to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal.
The presidential and national assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, while the governorship and state houses of assembly polls will be held on February 6.
The electoral umpire has opened its online portal for political parties to upload their polling agents’ details ahead of the elections, with the submission deadline set for December.
Party agents observe the voting process and ensure INEC officials count and record votes accurately.
Bature said the party has competent members who should serve as polling agents.
“I crave your indulgence to get the best hands. People become agents, and at the end of the day, they become double agents, leaving our candidate stranded at some point,” he said.
“So I think it’s important that you vet these candidates before you put them as agents. There are so many committed party members, but you don’t patronise them.
“Sometimes, they become a bit disgruntled. Please, please, and please patronise those who are dedicated to this party. A lot of people are out there dedicated to this party. Please fish them out and select them as agents. The importance of timely submission of this list is very important to all of us.”
On his part, Abdulrahman Mohammed, PDP national chairman, said election victory begins at the polling unit level, where the party relies on its agents and canvassers.
“I know some of you who are here are used to the election process, but you know the election process keeps changing. Today, we have upgraded from the manual system to the electronic system,” he said.
Mohammed urged participants to stay focused and replicate the training in their respective states, ensuring it reaches members at the local government level.
