The Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON) concluded its 13th National Delegates’ Conference in Jos, Plateau State, with a strong call for reforms to strengthen local government elections across the country.
The conference, held from May 20 to 23, 2025, brought together delegates from 27 states, including chairmen, members, and secretaries of various State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), under the theme “Local Government Elections in Nigeria; Issues, Challenges and Opportunities.”
Declaring the event open, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Hon. (Barr.) Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, emphasized the significance of credible elections in deepening democracy at the grassroots level.
According to the communiqué, “The need to step up the mode of organizing credible elections for the purpose of good governance at the grassroots level informed the desire for the 2025 Jos Conference.”
Goodwill messages were received from representatives of distinguished guests, including Governor Abdullahi A. Sule of Nasarawa State, Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI), the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC).
A series of papers were presented by experts, covering key topics such as the independence of SIECs, legal frameworks, civic participation, and the role of media in voter education.
“The Conference aimed at assembling the major stakeholders in the administration of the LG Polls in Nigeria in order to brainstorm on the core mandates of SIECs and review same for optimal performance,” the communiqué stated.
In its recommendations, the Forum emphasized the need for “Administrative independence and financial autonomy of the SIECs…as an impetus of strengthening SIECs to deliver on their constitutional mandates.”
Delegates further stressed the importance of regular public engagements across the 768 local government areas to build confidence in the credibility and transparency of SIECs.
Another key resolution was that “State Legislature should take pragmatic steps to adopt the relevant provisions of Electoral Act 2022 on procedure of conduct of Area Councils Elections to evolve uniformity and certainty in the electoral procedure of Local Government elections.”
The forum also advocated increased collaboration with civil society organizations and development partners to improve voter education and civic participation at the grassroots level.
In conclusion, the communiqué declared: “SIECs are poised to serve the grassroots electorate as a viable and virile platform for democratic leadership recruitment at the Local Government level.”
