FOSIECON, Governors Reject Scrapping SIECs, Advocate for Reforms

Delegates Push for Stronger Local Election Autonomy

Delegates at the 13th National Delegates’ Conference of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON) in Jos have called for reforms to strengthen State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs). The event, supported by the European Union’s Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria programme, emphasized enhancing financial and administrative autonomy for credible local elections.

Governors Weigh In on Electoral Reforms

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang argued that leadership recruitment should be the primary focus of electoral reforms. “The conversation should begin with how we recruit leaders in this country,” he stated. “We must develop a strategy that helps us identify individuals who genuinely have the people’s interest at heart.”

Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule offered his state as a testing ground for proposed reforms, saying, “I offer Nasarawa State for any pilot initiatives that may be proposed.”

Experts Support SIEC Retention

Professor Samuel Egwu, in his keynote address, supported retaining and reforming SIECs, stating, “I support the retention and strengthening of SIECs because we operate a federal system of government.” He dismissed alternative proposals as misaligned with federalism.

Criticism of National Assembly Bills

FOSIECON Chairman Jossy Eze criticized pending legislation that seeks to abolish SIECs without addressing their challenges. “It is public knowledge that there are bills currently before the National Assembly seeking the abolition of SIECs,” he noted.

INEC Calls for Continuous Election Process

INEC representative Dr. Oliver Agundu advised SIECs to treat elections as continuous processes rather than isolated events, emphasizing the importance of post-election activities.

Credit: Fred Ezeh, Abuja

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