Updated: INEC, FOSIECON Strengthen Partnership to Enhance Electoral Governance in Nigeria
By Raphael Ekpang
Abuja (Core Reporters) The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening institutional collaboration to strengthen electoral governance and credibility at both national and subnational levels.
CROSIEC Chairman Ekong Edet Bocco at INEC headquarters, Abuja
Speaking during a courtesy visit by FOSIECON to INEC Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan underscored the need for stronger institutional bonds between INEC and State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs). He emphasized that collaboration, open dialogue, and the sharing of best practices are essential to sustaining free, fair, and credible elections across all tiers of government.
Amupitan commended state electoral officials for their dedication and reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to partnership, innovation, and continuous improvement in electoral administration. He disclosed that the Director General of The Electoral Institute (TEI) has been authorized to initiate discussions with FOSIECON to strengthen collaboration in training, research, and technical development.
“I have also directed INEC’s ICT Department to engage with state electoral bodies on equipment utilization and data analytics exchange, while the Voter Education and Publicity Departments will explore joint civic engagement initiatives aimed at deepening democratic participation,” he said.
On requests raised by FOSIECON, including matters relating to its formal registration and inter-agency cooperation, the INEC Chairman confirmed that relevant internal directives had been issued for necessary action.
He concluded by reaffirming INEC’s openness to sustained engagement and strategic partnerships in advancing Nigeria’s democracy, while extending condolences to the family of the late Alhaji Ahmad Obadidero.
Earlier, the National Chairman of FOSIECON, Mamman Nda Eri, called for strengthened institutional collaboration with INEC to enhance electoral governance and credibility at the state and local government levels. He congratulated the INEC Chairman on his appointment, describing it as a testament to his integrity, distinguished public service record, and commitment to democratic governance.
The Forum commended INEC for setting national benchmarks in electoral administration, institutional reform, and technological innovation—particularly in digital accreditation, results transparency, and voter confidence-building measures—stating that these advancements provide valuable lessons for subnational electoral institutions.
Eri noted that the visit formed part of its broader efforts to promote peer learning, institutional development, and partnerships with national and international stakeholders. He informed that the Forum is currently in the process of formal registration and will be forwarding a request to INEC for necessary support.
Eri also highlighted the Forum’s recent capacity-building and election observation engagements during the FCT Area Council elections, supported by the European Union under the Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme and implemented by DAI Global. The initiative, in collaboration with civil society organisations and INEC under the Coalition for Local Election Administration Reform (CLEAR), has strengthened professional development and institutional learning within SIECs.
As part of its proposals, FOSIECON outlined key areas for structured collaboration with INEC, including:
– Joint capacity-building and technical support programmes for SIEC officials
– Technology and information sharing within constitutional and legal frameworks
– Policy dialogue and electoral reform discussions
– Enhanced voter education and grassroots civic engagement initiatives to address voter apathy
– Research, documentation, and data-sharing partnerships to promote evidence-based reforms
FOSIECON’s national chairman emphasized that although INEC and SIECs operate under distinct constitutional mandates, closer cooperation and coordinated engagement with development partners will significantly improve the credibility and integrity of elections at all levels.
Both institutions expressed optimism that sustained collaboration will further strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process.
Core Reporters report that the leadership of FOSIECON were in full attendance during the courtesy visit to INEC Chairman, including the Chairman of Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC), Ekong Edet Bocco.
