The Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through closer collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
During a courtesy visit to the INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu in Abuja on Tuesday, the newly inaugurated National Executive Committee of FOSIECON, led by Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, emphasized the need for deeper synergy between INEC and State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) to enhance the integrity of Local Government Elections across the country.
Hon. Eri, who also serves as the Chairman of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission, highlighted the critical role of SIECs in deepening democratic values at the grassroots level. He stated that the new leadership of FOSIECON is committed to promoting transparency, professionalism, and credibility in local electoral processes.
“Our visit today goes beyond formality—it is a clear statement of our desire to work closely with INEC to advance democratic governance in Nigeria,” Eri said.
He called for INEC’s support in the areas of technical assistance, capacity building, and knowledge sharing to enhance the professionalism and operational capacity of SIECs nationwide.
The FOSIECON chairman expressed confidence that with INEC’s guidance, state electoral bodies can meet both national and international standards in managing elections at the subnational level.
The INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who warmly received the delegation, congratulated the newly inaugurated FOSIECON leadership and acknowledged the wealth of experience of many of its members.
He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with SIECs, noting that effective collaboration between national and state electoral bodies is essential to advancing Nigeria’s electoral system, particularly at the grassroots.
The visit marks a renewed effort to foster institutional collaboration aimed at consolidating democracy and improving the quality of elections at the local government level.
