The 13th National Delegates Conference of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON), held in Jos and supported by the European Union, has unequivocally rejected the calls for the abolishment of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs). Instead, the delegates, consisting of prominent figures like Professor Samuel Egwu, Governors Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau State) and Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa State), FOSIECON Chairman Jossy Eze, and INEC representative Oliver Agundu, advocated for comprehensive reforms to bolster the SIECs, focusing on strengthening their independence, financial autonomy, and administrative capacity to effectively conduct local government elections.
The prevailing sentiment at the conference was that scrapping SIECs contradicts the principles of federalism, a cornerstone of Nigeria’s political structure. Professor Egwu argued that strengthening local governance is imperative within a federal system, and SIECs are essential instruments for achieving this. Transferring the responsibility of conducting local elections to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while seemingly straightforward, undermines the decentralized nature of federalism. Similarly, establishing a new bureaucratic entity for local elections, as some have suggested, was deemed impractical and redundant, especially considering its previous rejection by the Senate.
A major concern highlighted by FOSIECON Chairman Jossy Eze was the vulnerability of SIECs to undue influence from vested interests, despite their constitutional mandate. He pointed out that numerous bills pending before the National Assembly, while seeking to abolish or transfer the functions of SIECs, fail to address the core issues hindering their effectiveness. This reinforces the delegates’ stance that reform, rather than dismantling, is the necessary path forward.
Governor Mutfwang emphasized the overarching need for a comprehensive strategy to improve leadership recruitment in Nigeria, focusing on identifying and empowering individuals genuinely committed to serving the public interest. He argued that bad governance not only undermines democracy but also impedes development and leads to the wasteful expenditure of public resources. While acknowledging the importance of autonomy, he underscored the paramount need for efficiency in local governance, drawing from his own experience in local administration.
Governor Sule expressed his commitment to supporting the conference’s reform recommendations and even offered Nasarawa State as a pilot for implementing any proposed initiatives. This demonstrated a proactive approach towards strengthening SIECs and a willingness to translate the conference’s deliberations into concrete action. His offer signifies the potential for broader support among governors for the implementation of effective reform measures.
INEC representative Oliver Agundu urged SIECs to adopt a more holistic view of elections, emphasizing their continuous nature rather than treating them as isolated events. He advocated for proactive engagement with civil society organizations and intensified voter education initiatives to enhance electoral participation and informed decision-making among the electorate. This highlights the need for a more structured and sustained approach to electoral processes beyond just the election period itself. Agundu’s recommendation underscores the importance of ongoing engagement and continuous improvement within the electoral system.
The consensus reached at the FOSIECON conference signifies a crucial step towards strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system at the local level. By focusing on reforms aimed at enhancing the independence, capacity, and efficiency of SIECs, the delegates have affirmed their commitment to preserving the principles of federalism while also addressing the critical challenges that impede the effectiveness of these vital electoral bodies. The emphasis on leadership recruitment, improved governance, and continuous engagement with the electorate further underscores the conference’s dedication to fostering credible and participatory local elections across Nigeria.
The rejection of outright abolition in favor of strategic reforms indicates a preference for evolution over revolution within the framework of Nigeria’s electoral system. This approach seeks to build upon existing structures and mechanisms, addressing weaknesses while maintaining the essential role of SIECs in local governance. The proactive stance adopted by Governor Sule and the recommendations put forth by the INEC representative underscore the potential for significant positive change if these reform efforts are effectively implemented.
The challenges facing SIECs are multifaceted, extending beyond mere structural or administrative concerns. The issue of undue influence from vested interests highlights the crucial need for robust safeguards to ensure the impartiality and independence of these bodies. Strengthening financial autonomy is equally crucial to enable SIECs to operate effectively without being subject to undue pressure or manipulation. Without adequate resources and the freedom to allocate them independently, SIECs cannot fulfill their mandate effectively.
The focus on leadership recruitment highlighted at the conference addresses a fundamental challenge facing not only the electoral process but also governance in Nigeria more broadly. Selecting competent and ethically sound individuals for public office is crucial for ensuring good governance and accountability. By emphasizing the importance of leadership quality, the conference delegates have recognized that effective electoral processes alone are not sufficient to guarantee democratic progress. The quality of those entrusted with public office is equally critical.
The call for continuous engagement with civil society organizations and voter education reflects the understanding that elections are not merely technical exercises but also social and political processes that require active participation from citizens. Educated and informed voters are essential for a functioning democracy, and ongoing engagement with civil society plays a crucial role in fostering a vibrant democratic culture. By prioritizing these aspects, the conference has demonstrated a commitment to empowering citizens and fostering a more participatory electoral process.
The outcome of the FOSIECON conference offers a roadmap for enhancing local elections in Nigeria. The emphasis on reform, rather than dismantling, represents a more nuanced and potentially more effective approach to addressing the challenges facing SIECs. By focusing on strengthening independence, capacity, and engagement with the electorate, the conference has laid the groundwork for building a more robust and participatory electoral system at the local level. The successful implementation of the proposed reforms will be crucial in ensuring that SIECs can fulfill their constitutional mandate effectively and contribute to the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria.
