Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has made it clear that state governors will not support the abolition of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), arguing instead for reforms aimed at enhancing their capacity.
Speaking during the 13th National Delegates Conference of the Forum of Independent Electoral Commissions (FOSIECON) held in Jos, Plateau State, Governor Sule asserted that eliminating the commissions is not a viable solution.
“I agree one hundred per cent that abolishing SIECs is not a solution, and we will not support it. The same problems SIECs face, interference, funding constraints, are present at the national level,” he said.
Sule identified key challenges confronting SIECs, including political interference, inadequate funding, and a lack of public trust.
He cautioned against placing blame on the commissions without addressing these deeper systemic issues.
“From my experience as governor over the past six years, interference and underfunding are the two biggest obstacles. These realities hinder the commissions from performing effectively,” he noted.
He also suggested that calls to scrap SIECs are politically motivated.
“It’s not about improving democracy. It’s about control, control doesn’t build democracy or development. What we need are visionary leaders who serve with integrity,” he emphasized.
Governor Sule expressed optimism that the FOSIECON conference would offer constructive proposals to enhance the operations of electoral bodies and promised that governors would consider such recommendations seriously.
“I believe many governors will gladly support the solutions you recommend,” he said.
Addressing concerns about local government finances, Sule rejected claims that governors were hoarding funds meant for local councils.
According to him, most councils suffer from a lack of resources and rely on state government support.
Earlier in the event, FOSIECON Chairman Jossy Chibunde Eze advocated for strict adherence to constitutional provisions, financial autonomy, and operational independence for SIECs.
“SIECs are constitutionally empowered to operate independently but often face political interference due to financial dependence,” Eze stated.
