The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will not deploy its staff to conduct the forthcoming elections in two Adamawa States communities of Madagali and Michika because it is yet to get clearance from security operatives.

This is a contrast to claims by some groups identified as Michika elders that Madagali and Michika are safe for elections.

Although, Nigerian troops had recaptured the towns, there is stiff resistance by the affected communities to return to their homes before the conduct of the general election.

Michika and Madagali were the last areas recaptured in Adamawa as mopping up operations of some of the communities continue.

Reacting to evacuation of displaced persons to the recaptured towns, the INEC spokesperson in the state, Mrs Rifkatu Duku, said, “We are not going to risk the lives of our staff, because we are yet to get the situation report from the security operatives.

“Already, INEC had created designated centres here in the state capital for IDPs elections. Preparations are on top gear for the elections,’’ she said.

Many residents who fled communities captured by Boko Haram have said they were not sure of returning home despite successes reportedly recorded by the Nigerian military.

Over 148,375 voters, according to INEC statistics, fled in Madagali and Michika local government areas of the state, after they were raided and captured by Boko Haram.

The Federal Government had assured that it was determined to retake communities under Boko Haram control to ensure residents return home before the March 28 and April 11 elections.

This, it said, was responsible for the six-week shift of the 2015 general election. But most of the displaced persons at Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Yola and other places said they were not planning to return home yet.

*Adapted from a Nigerian Tribune report.

Update news