By Joy Odor
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON)
He made this known as he hosted the newly inaugurated FOSIECON delegation, led by its National Chairman and Chairman of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri paid him a courtesy visit to INEC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
The visit seeks to be renewed partnership and institutional support in enhancing electoral governance at the grassroots level.
In his remarks, Prof. Yakubu congratulated the new FOSIECON leadership and underscored the constitutional status of the State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) as vital stakeholders in Nigeria’s democratic process.
“Like INEC, the State Electoral Commissions are creations of the Constitution. We have a joint responsibility to ensure credible electoral processes, and our collaboration must extend beyond technical support to include sustained capacity building and robust knowledge exchange,” Yakubu stated.
The INEC Chairman acknowledged the wealth of experience within FOSIECON, noting that several of its members had previously served in senior capacities within INEC, including as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).
He cited Elder Aniedi Ikoiwak, now Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Electoral Commission and a former REC in Rivers State, and Hon. Ahmed Makama, who also served as REC in various states, including Yobe.
Yakubu, however, emphasized that while both INEC and the SIECs have complementary roles, certain electoral functions remain exclusively INEC’s responsibility. These include:
Voter registration and voter allocation to polling units
Registration and regulation of political parties
Provision of the updated voter register, polling unit details, and list of registered parties for local elections
He stressed the importance of strict adherence to the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, particularly Sections 98–113 and Section 151, which guide the conduct of local government elections.
While commending states for ensuring elected councils are in place, the INEC Chairman expressed concern about the quality and credibility of local government elections in many states.
“The problem is not whether elections are held, but how they are conducted. We must work to improve transparency and integrity at the local level to match the standard INEC has maintained in the FCT, where elections are held regularly and no caretaker committees have ever been appointed,” he said.
Prof. Yakubu proposed a closed-door session to explore practical strategies for raising standards and deepening collaboration between INEC and the SIECs.
Earlier, FOSIECON Chairman Hon. Mamman Eri reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to transparent and credible local government elections. He emphasized the Forum’s vision to enhance professionalism, coordination, and accountability among State Electoral Commissions.
Eri outlined key areas in which FOSIECON seeks INEC’s support:
Technical assistance for deploying modern election technologies
Capacity building through joint training programs and peer learning
Knowledge sharing on innovations and best practices in electoral management
“Credible local government elections are fundamental to democratic development. With INEC’s support, SIECs can deliver processes that reflect both national expectations and international standards,” Eri stated.
Members of the FOSIECON delegation included:
1. Elder Aniedi A. Ikoiwak
2. Hon. Barr. Genevieve Osakwe
3. Hon. Ahmed Makama
4. Hon. Lawal Alhassan Faskari
5. Hon. Justice Cornelius Akintayo (Rtd)
Prof. Yakubu praised the delegation’s proactive engagement and reiterated INEC’s readiness to support the institutional growth of SIECs as part of broader efforts to consolidate democracy across Nigeria.
