The Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON) has called for complete financial autonomy for State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) to enable them to conduct credible local government elections across Nigeria.
This recommendation was part of a communiqué issued at the conclusion of FOSIECON's 13th National Delegates' Conference held in Jos, Plateau State from May 20-25, 2025.
The communiqué, jointly signed by National Chairman Barr. Jossy Eze and National Secretary Associate Professor Joseph Aremo, emphasized that improved autonomy is fundamental to restoring public confidence in local elections.
"Improved autonomy is the foundation for restoring public trust in the conduct of local government elections," the document stated.
To address negative public perception and misinformation, the Forum urged SIECs to "embark on regular public engagements with election stakeholders across the 768 local government areas" in Nigeria.
FOSIECON also highlighted the crucial role of political parties in enhancing democratic accountability, stating that parties "should evolve mechanisms that support the emergence of leadership with proven integrity" since they are the only platforms for nominating election candidates.
The Forum recommended extending legal and institutional frameworks that have strengthened the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to also apply to SIECs. They specifically urged state houses of assembly to "adopt the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 regarding the procedure for conducting Area Council elections" to ensure uniformity in local government elections.
On grassroots education, FOSIECON encouraged SIECs to deepen partnerships with civil society organizations and development partners to support voter education and civic engagement.
"All politics is local, and it is essential that SIECs become not just administrators of elections but champions of civic competence," the communiqué emphasized.
The Forum firmly rejected calls for the abolition of SIECs, describing such proposals as "mischievous and anti-federalist." This position received public support from Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, who attended the conference as special guests.
The conference, themed 'Local Government Elections in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities,' brought together participants from all 36 states, including representatives from academia, civil society, and key electoral stakeholders. Officials from INEC, the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria programme, Development Alternatives Incorporated, and the United States Institute of Peace were also in attendance.
