“Strengthening Democracy from the Ground Up”: FOSIECON Charts New Course at Jos Conference

Jos, Plateau State – May 23, 2025

In a bold move to revamp the administration of grassroots democracy in Nigeria, the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON) has concluded its 13th National Delegates’ Conference in Jos, Plateau State, with a strong call for reforms, independence, and renewed commitment to credible local government elections across the country.

Held from May 20 to 23, 2025, the landmark conference brought together delegates from 27 State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) under the theme: **“Local Government Elections in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities.”** The conference aimed to tackle the persistent credibility challenges plaguing local government elections and chart a path forward for electoral reform at the sub-national level.

**A Federal Imperative**

Declaring the conference open, the Governor of Plateau State, *His Excellency Hon. (Barr.) Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang*, emphasized the strategic role SIECs play in deepening democracy. He underscored that grassroots governance must begin with a fair and transparent electoral process, asserting that “without credible local elections, our foundation of democracy remains weak.”

In attendance were notable dignitaries including the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, *Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule*, and representatives of development partners such as Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI), United States Institute of Peace (USIP), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC).

**Critical Reflections, Expert Insights**

Keynote speaker *Prof. Samuel Egwu*, Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC, Benue State, provided a sweeping analysis of Nigeria’s electoral architecture, linking local government inefficiencies to systemic neglect of SIECs’ autonomy.

Participants engaged deeply with expert presentations including:

* **Assoc. Prof. Mohammed B. Babanumma** on *SIEC Independence as a Panacea for Credible LG Polls*,
* **Prof. Alphonsus Okoh Alubo SAN** on *Election Management Bodies and the Law*,
* **Barr. Cynthia Mbamalu (YIAGA Africa)** on *SIECs’ Role in Grassroots Democracy*,
* **Mr. Martins Oloja (Guardian Newspaper)** on *Voter Education and Civic Competence*.

**Consensus for Reform: Key Recommendations**

After three days of extensive deliberations, the Forum issued a strongly worded communiqué outlining strategic reforms, notably:

* **Full administrative and financial autonomy** for SIECs to operate independently.
* **Institutionalization of stakeholder engagement** at local levels to boost voter confidence.
* **Internal reform within political parties** to ensure emergence of credible candidates.
* **Legislative alignment with the Electoral Act 2022**, urging state legislatures to domesticate its relevant provisions.
* **Increased collaboration with CSOs and development partners** to boost civic awareness and voter education.

**Defending Constitutional Integrity**

The conference firmly rejected calls to scrap SIECs, labeling such suggestions as “mischievous and anti-federalist.” According to the communiqué signed by **Chief Barr. Jossy C. Eze** (National Chairman) and **Assoc. Prof. Joseph I. Aremo** (National Secretary), “SIECs are constitutionally established institutions, indispensable for democratic leadership recruitment at the local government level.”

**The Way Forward**

FOSIECON concluded by reaffirming its resolve to reposition SIECs as credible, autonomous, and effective institutions. As the electoral landscape braces for future local government polls, the Jos Conference may well be remembered as a watershed moment in Nigeria’s journey toward deeper and more accountable democracy at the grassroots.