Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has declared that governors will not support the scrapping of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), stressing the need for reforms to strengthen their capacity rather than abolish them.
Speaking at the 13th National Delegates Conference of the Forum of Independent Electoral Commissions (FOSIECON) in Jos, Plateau State, Sule said calls for the abolition of SIECs were misplaced, arguing that even the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) faces similar challenges.
“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.
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Sule identified political interference, underfunding, and lack of public trust as the core issues affecting SIECs. He argued that blaming SIECs without addressing these structural problems is unfair.
“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 added that the desire for political control is the real driver behind calls for SIECs’ scrapping.
“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 said.
Governor Sule expressed confidence that the conference would generate practical solutions and pledged governors’ support for any viable proposals.
“I believe many governors will gladly support the solutions you recommend,” he added.
On local government funding, Sule dismissed allegations that governors are withholding funds, saying most councils are underfunded and often depend on the state for support.
Earlier, FOSIECON Chairman Jossy Chibunde Eze called for constitutional respect, greater independence, and financial autonomy for SIECs, lamenting undue pressure from state executives.
“SIECs are constitutionally empowered to operate independently but often face political interference due to financial dependence,” Eze said.
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