Plans are at an advanced stage by the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) to host the 13th National Delegates Conference of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON) in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
This was revealed by the Chairman of PLASIEC, Hon. Plangji Daniel Cishak, during a press conference held at the Commission’s headquarters on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
According to Hon. Cishak, the three-day event is scheduled to take place from May 21st to 23rd, 2025. The theme of the conference, “Local Government Elections in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities,” he said, is both timely and compelling, calling for sober reflection, informed debate, and actionable outcomes.
“We expect to welcome no fewer than 304 delegates from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. These include Chairmen, Commissioners, and Secretaries of various State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs). The opening ceremony will be held under the distinguished chairmanship of His Majesty, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, whose leadership continues to serve as a source of institutional wisdom and moral direction,” he stated.
Hon. Cishak also announced that three serving governors, representatives of the Forum of Nigerian House of Assembly Speakers, and members of the National Assembly—particularly those in the Senate and House Committees on Electoral Matters—are expected to attend. He noted that their participation underscores the national importance of local government elections and a shared commitment to strengthening local governance through credible elections.
He expressed gratitude to DAI International Development for supporting FOSIECON and other institutions in advancing electoral reforms, civic engagement, and institutional resilience.
Speaking on PLASIEC’s internal efforts, the Chairman highlighted steps taken to strengthen the Commission’s institutional capacity. “Beyond the conduct of elections, we have invested in expanding our infrastructure and equipping our offices to ensure readiness at all times. More importantly, we have prioritized human capital development by organizing targeted training programs and workshops to equip our staff with the requisite knowledge and skills for credible electoral administration,” he said.
Hon. Cishak also lauded the media for its consistent partnership and support, particularly during the October 9, 2024, Local Government Elections, which he described as peaceful, free, fair, and credible.
“From pre-election reportage through election day coverage to post-election tribunal proceedings, the media demonstrated professionalism, balance, and a commitment to truth. You helped citizens understand the process, engaged the public with facts, and served as a bridge between the electorate and the electoral umpire,” he said. “As we now look forward to another nationally significant event, we are once again counting on you to rise to the moment with the highest standards of journalistic integrity.”
He urged the media to continue challenging falsehoods and promote objective, development-focused, and peace-building reportage.
Speaking further, Hon. Cishak emphasized the core values that define PLASIEC’s work: integrity, transparency, accountability, conviction, inclusivity, and progressive excellence.
“These values are not just aspirational statements—they are guiding principles woven into the fabric of our work. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of honesty, fairness, and electoral justice. We strive for inclusivity, adopting systems that give voice to all and foster internal collaboration. Our processes are rooted in legal frameworks and guided by democratic principles and the rule of law,” he said.
He called on the media to give the upcoming conference the publicity it deserves, emphasizing that the event is not just a gathering of officials but a critical platform for learning, self-assessment, and shared growth.
“This is an opportunity for SIECs to engage in peer review, examine challenges, share innovations, and chart a collective path forward. At the center of the conversation will be the future of SIECs. While some have questioned their independence, we at PLASIEC believe that scrapping them would be unconstitutional and catastrophic to grassroots democracy. What is needed is reform, capacity-building, and standardization of processes across the country,” he said.
He concluded by highlighting that the success of the October 2024 elections in Plateau State demonstrated that SIECs can work when given the right leadership, resources, and institutional support. “The upcoming conference is another opportunity to shape the national narrative on local elections and democratic accountability. And once again, the media—both mainstream and digital—has a critical role to play.”
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