FOSIECON 2025: Govs Mutfwang, Sule, others oppose the abolition of SIECs in Nigeria
By Edward EC( Eagle Eye News24)
The issue of the survival of States Independent Electoral Commission(SIEC)was at the front burner at the 13th NDC 2025 as governor’s of Plateau State and Nasarawa State,Caleb Mutfwang and Abdullahi Sule both canvassed for the Independence and survival of SIECs in Nigeria.
The two governors took their stands from section 7 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, is very sacrosanct, and any attempt to abolish SIECs is against Nigeria’s democratic ethos.
The governors’ view point was coming on the heels of growing agitations by some Nigerians that are canvassing for the abolition of SIECs and allowing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct elections at the grassroots level(3rd tier of governance), in which the bill is pending before the National Assembly.
The governor’s made this assertions at the ongoing 13th edition of the National Delegates Conference of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON)which started in Jos on Wednesday.
Eagle Eye News24 reports that the Plateau State governor Barr.Caleb Mutfwang declared open the conference in Jos on Wednesday.
The conference with the theme : “Local Government Elections in Nigeria; Issues, Challenges and Opportunities”.
The convocation is aimed at assembling major stakeholders in the administration of the LG polls in Nigeria in order to brainstorm on the core mandates of SIEC and review same for optimal performance vis a-,vis addressing vital areas associated with the local government electioneering processes.
In the views of the Plateau State Governor Barr.Caleb Mutfwang believes the conversation should start with leadership recruitment, that we select those who govern us. “Elections shouldn’t just be about ticking boxes. When you spend billions on an election and the result doesn’t reflect the will of the people, it’s just a waste of resources.
“So, I completely disagree with the idea that state electoral commissions should be scrapped. The answer is not to throw everything away, but to fix what’s broken.
“Also, the collaboration between INEC and the state electoral commissions must improve. The voter data INEC holds doesn’t belong to INEC—it belongs to Nigeria. States should have access to it, without unnecessary restrictions.”
He further stated that Section 7 of Nigeria’s Constitution says local governments should be democratically elected. That’s fine. But I believe every state should have the freedom to run its local governments in a way that works best for them. Local government autonomy is a nice phrase, but it sometimes distracts us from the real issue: efficiency.
“The same goes for the conversation around state police. Yes, there are fears of abuse, but we can overcome those fears with strong oversight.
“Let this conference not just be about speeches. Let it be about action. Let’s raise the standard of leadership and build institutions that work”, the governor concluded.
On his part the Nasarawa State governor Abdullahi Sule posited that abolishing State Electoral Commissions is not the answer.In his views,he said;
“I strongly disagree with that idea. It’s not a solution. The same problems you see in the state commissions exist at the federal level, too. So if you scrap the state commissions, you’re not solving the root problem—you’re just moving it around.
“What we need is reform. We need strong, trusted systems and leaders with integrity. I know many governors—including myself and my brother here—who are willing to be part of that solution.”
Keynote speaker Professor Samuel Egwu, who is the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Benue State, revealed that Nigerians had subverted the intention of 1976 reforms, which is the reason why we found ourselves in delicate situation.
The erudite professor put his weight for the strengthening of SIECs, adding that Nigeria is a federating entity.
The 3-days conference will end with a general meeting to consider a draft communique on Friday in Jos,Plateau State.
Govs Caleb Mutfwang and his Nasarawa State Counterpart,Engr.Abdullahi Sule during the NDC 2025 in Jos,Plateau State
