By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has called for renewed efforts to tackle voter apathy in Nigeria, saying credible local government elections and the operational independence of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) are essential to strengthening democracy and restoring public confidence in the electoral process.
The governor made the call on 21th Tuesday at the opening of the 14th National Delegates Conference of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON) held at Hillside Royal Suites Banquet Hall, Katsina. He was represented by the Katsina State Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Mannir Ayuba Sullubawa.
The conference brought together chairmen and commissioners of state electoral commissions, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), development partners, traditional rulers, security agencies, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for addressing voter apathy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In his address, Radda said Katsina's hosting of the conference for the second time reflected the confidence reposed in the state for its peaceful environment, hospitality and commitment to democratic development.
He noted that the conference theme, which focuses on voter apathy, was timely, stressing that all stakeholders must work together to encourage greater citizens' participation in elections.
According to the governor, democracy can only thrive when public institutions operate with integrity, accountability and independence.
He described State Independent Electoral Commissions as critical institutions in ensuring credible local government elections that truly reflect the will of the people.
Radda said his administration had implemented reforms across key sectors, including security, agriculture, education, healthcare and social welfare, under its "Building Your Future" agenda.
He cited the February 15, 2025 local government elections in Katsina, where chairmen for the state's 34 local government areas and 361 councillors were elected, as a model of credible electoral conduct, noting that no legal challenge was filed before or after the exercise.
The governor attributed the success of the election to his administration's decision to grant the Katsina State Independent Electoral Commission (KTSIEC) full operational independence without political interference.
He urged participants to exchange ideas and experiences that would strengthen electoral administration and deepen democracy in Nigeria.
Earlier, Chairman of KTSIEC, Alhaji Lawal Alhassan Faskari, said Katsina was honoured to host the FOSIECON conference for the second time, having first hosted the event in 2013.
He said the choice of Katsina reflected the confidence other state electoral commissions had in the state's capacity to organise national gatherings.
Faskari described the conference as timely as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence that its resolutions would contribute to improving electoral administration across the country.
He commended Governor Radda for supporting the commission through adequate funding and administrative backing, which, he said, enabled KTSIEC to conduct the February 2025 local government elections in a free, fair and peaceful atmosphere without any post-election litigation.
The KTSIEC chairman pledged that the commission would continue to uphold professionalism, fairness, transparency, accountability and service to the electorate.
He also appreciated the Emir of Katsina, the Emir of Daura, other traditional rulers, security agencies and stakeholders for their contributions to maintaining peace before, during and after the local government elections.
Faskari further thanked the leadership of FOSIECON for selecting Katsina as host and encouraged delegates to visit the state's historical and cultural sites during their stay.
Chairman of the occasion and former Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Tukur Ahmad Jikamshi, said state electoral commissions remain vital to sustaining democratic governance.
He urged electoral officials to uphold transparency, fairness and integrity in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities to strengthen public confidence in the democratic process.
In his remarks, FOSIECON National Chairman and Chairman of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, described the conference as an important platform for reviewing challenges facing electoral administration, sharing best practices and strengthening state electoral institutions.
He called for a review of relevant electoral laws to enhance the independence and effectiveness of state electoral commissions.
Eri also commended the Katsina State Government for its hospitality and successful organisation of the conference.
The conference is expected to produce recommendations aimed at improving electoral administration, increasing voter participation and strengthening Nigeria's democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!