From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
The Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON) has called for strengthening state electoral commissions (SIECs) to conduct credible local government elections, rejecting proposals to scrap them. The forum criticised the perception of SIECs as mere extensions of state governors.
Speaking at the 13th national delegates’ conference in Jos on Wednesday, May 21, FOSIECON’s national chairman, Jossy Chibundu Eze, demanded greater independence, financial autonomy, and respect for SIECs as constitutionally established bodies. “SIECs are constitutionally empowered to operate independently, yet are often pressured to serve the interests of those who appoint them,” Eze stated.
He highlighted inadequate funding as a major issue, forcing SIECs to rely on state executives, which opens the door to interference. Additionally, Eze noted that SIECs lack of administrative control, inability to hire, manage, or discipline staff, underme their ability to deliver credible elections.
“We are not ‘State INECs’ or handmaids of governors. We are constitutionally distinct institutions,” Eze declared. He urged political parties not to blame SIECs for their own failures, such as boycotting elections or failing to field candidates.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, speaking at the conference themed “Local Government Elections in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities”, echoed the call to strengthen, not abolish, SIECs. Mutfwang rejected the notion that SIECs are mere tools of governors and called for better collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). “The voter’s register belongs to Nigeria, not INEC. States should have access without restrictions,” he said.
Mutfwang stressed the need for efficient local government administration, drawing from his experience as a former local government chairman. “Local government autonomy is a nice phrase, but efficiency and accountability are the real issues. Without systems to check power, resources will be misused,” he said. He also highlighted past flawed elections in Plateau, noting that in 2018, results were announced before votes were counted, and in 2021, the main opposition was disqualified.
Governor Sule identified interference, lack of funding, and lack of trust as SIECs’ main challenges. “Abolishing SIECs is not the answer. The same problems exist at the federal level. We need reform and leaders with integrity,” he said, affirming his and Mutfwang’s commitment to solutions.