The Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON) has called for greater independence, financial autonomy, and constitutional respect for State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs).

Jossy Chibunde Eze, the national chairman of the forum made the demand at the 13th national delegates conference of FOSIECON held on Wednesday in Jos, Plateau State.

Eze described the conference as a timely intervention to address long-standing institutional challenges facing SIECs across Nigeria. While reaffirming the constitutional mandate of SIECs to conduct local government elections, he lamented that many commissions are undermined by political interference, financial dependence on state governments, and public misinformation.

“SIECs are constitutionally empowered to operate independently, yet are often pressured to serve the interests of those who appoint them,” Eze stated.

He also highlighted that despite their autonomy being guaranteed by law, SIECs often struggle with inadequate funding, which forces them to rely on state executives who may attempt to influence their operations.

He further criticized the denial of administrative control, noting that SIECs lack the authority to hire, manage, or discipline their own staff. This, he said, weakens the capacity of the commissions to deliver credible grassroots elections and leaves them vulnerable to manipulation or inefficiency.

Eze also bemoaned the recurring misrepresentation of SIECs as mere appendages of state governors.

“We are not ‘State INECs’ or handmaids of governors. We are constitutionally distinct institutions,” he declared, insisting that SIECs should not be blamed for political parties’ failures, especially when such parties boycott elections or fail to field candidates.

The FOSIECON Chairman praised the government of Plateau State, led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, for hosting the conference and for its commitment to democratic governance at the grassroots.

He encouraged other states to emulate Plateau’s example in supporting SIECs to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities.

Eze concluded with an appeal to the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and the National Assembly to consider reforms that would protect and empower SIECs, rather than weaken or abolish them.

Other notable speakers at the conference including election experts, members of the National Assembly, and civil society representatives echoed the call for reforms that would strengthen SIECs and protect their independence.

They emphasized the need for increased collaboration among stakeholders, including state governments, political parties, and election observers, to ensure credible local elections nationwide.

BusinessDay reports that the three days conference, aims to forge a roadmap for strengthening local electoral processes. (BusinessDay)

•Stakeholders at the 13th National Delegates Conference of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria held in Jos