In a powerful show of unity, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening local government elections across the country.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the INEC headquarters in Abuja, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, Chairman of FOSIECON and head of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission, led a delegation of state electoral bosses to formally introduce the forum’s new leadership.
“This visit is more than a courtesy — it is a reaffirmation of our shared mandate,” Eri said. He urged INEC to continue supporting state commissions through technical assistance, capacity building, and knowledge sharing.
In response, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu emphasized the importance of collaboration, saying, “We share a responsibility with the state electoral commissions on the conduct of local government elections.” He added that while INEC focuses on national elections and those in the FCT, SIECs must ensure grassroots democracy is credible and transparent.
Yakubu also reminded the forum of legal requirements, stressing that local elections must comply with timelines set out in the Electoral Act and recent Supreme Court rulings. “Conducting local government elections with just 21 days’ notice is not only illegal — it is practically impossible,” he warned.
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He reaffirmed INEC’s support, adding, “What you do or fail to do often reflects on INEC. Many Nigerians confuse SIECs with INEC, so your credibility is ours too.”
Both bodies agreed to continue working closely to enhance Nigeria’s democracy from the grassroots up.
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