Stronger Partnership Between INEC, SIECS Will Enhance LGAs Election- FOSIEC

The Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria, FOSIEC, has called for a stronger partnership between the Independent National Electoral Commission,I NEC, and State Independent Electoral Commissions, SIECs, to enhance the credibility and integrity of local Government elections across the country.

The newly inaugurated National Executive Committee of FOSIEC, led by its Chairman, Mr Mamman Nda Eri, made the call during a courtesy visit to the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu in Abuja.

Mr Nda Eri who also serves as the Chairman of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission, KOSIEC, emphasised the crucial role of state electoral commissions in deepening democratic values at the grassroots.

He reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through closer collaboration with INEC.

Mr Eri stated that the new leadership of FOSIEC is dedicated to promoting transparency, professionalism and credibility in the conduct of local government elections.

He also appealed to INEC for support in areas such as capacity building, technical assistance and knowledge sharing to improve operational efficiency of state electoral bodies.

Responding, the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu congratulated the new FOSIEC leadership and reiterated the commission’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with SIECs.

He noted that effective collaboration between national and state electoral institutions is vital for the advancement of the country’s electoral system, particularly at the grassroots level.

Professor Yakubu described the visit as a renewed step towards institutional synergy aimed at consolidating democracy and improving the quality of local government elections nationwide.

PR/Ajifa Ainoko