FOSIECON Calls for 1% First-Line Charge Funding for SIECs, Says Voter Apathy Driven by Insecurity, Distrust
By Abu Micheal
The Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON) has urged state governments and Houses of Assembly to guarantee the financial autonomy of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) by establishing a statutory One Percent (1%) First-Line Charge from monthly allocations due to local government councils.
The resolution formed the highlight of the communiqué issued at the end of the 14th National Delegates Conference of FOSIECON, held in Katsina State from July 20 to 24, 2026, under the theme: “Understanding Voter Apathy in Nigeria’s Elections: Reality or Misconception.”
https://theintelligence.com.ng/ashakah-hails-matthew-tonlagha-liberia-humanitarian-award/
The five-day conference attracted Chairmen and members of State Independent Electoral Commissions, legal practitioners, academics, election management experts, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), development partners, public officials and media practitioners.
Sustainable Funding Key to Electoral Independenccommunique communiqué, FOSIECON described inadequate, irregular and unpredictable funding as one of the greatest obstacles confronting SIECs, noting that poor financing undermines institutional independence, long-term planning and the credibility of local government elections.
To address the challenge, delegates unanimously resolved that state governments should amend their respective SIEC laws to create a First-Line Charge, allocating one percent of monthly local government allocations for the operations of SIECs.
According to the Forum, guaranteed funding would strengthen institutional capacity, improve strategic planning, facilitate timely procurement of election materials, promote technology-driven election management, expand voter education programmes and enhance staff development.
FOSIECON also called on states to periodically review their electoral laws to align with constitutional provisions, judicial pronouncements and globally accepted democratic standards, while incorporating progressive provisions of the Electoral Act where constitutionally permissible.
Voter Apathy Rooted in Insecurity, Distrust
On the conference theme, participants concluded that declining voter turnout should not simply be interpreted as citizens’ lack of interest in elections.
Rather, the Forum identified insecurity, misinformation, inadequate voter education, logistical challenges, political distrust, economic hardship and the widespread perception that votes do not count as the major drivers of voter apathy.
However, FOSIECON maintained that voter apathy is, in some instances, a misconception, stressing that many Nigerians remain willing to participate in elections whenever they are transparent, peaceful, credible and violence-free.
The conference emphasized that rebuilding public confidence in elections requires stronger collaboration among SIECs, INEC, political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, traditional and religious institutions, development partners and the media.
Delegates also recommended continuous voter education, improved civic engagement, greater use of technology, community mobilisation and enhanced election security to encourage higher voter participation.
Women, Youths and Persons with Disabilities Need Greater Inclusion
The conference expressed concern over the persistent underrepresentation of women in local government councils, attributing the trend to socio-cultural barriers, political violence, financial constraints, discriminatory party practices and inadequate institutional support.
To reverse the situation, FOSIECON urged governments, political parties and other stakeholders to adopt deliberate affirmative policies that encourage more women to contest elections.
It further recommended reforms in party nomination processes to reduce financial barriers, eliminate discriminatory practices and create greater opportunities for female aspirants.
The Forum also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, educational institutions, civil society groups and the media to intensify campaigns against harmful stereotypes limiting women’s political participation.
In addition, delegates advocated sustained investment in leadership development, political mentoring, capacity building and economic empowerment programmes for women.
FOSIECON reaffirmed that responsive local governance can only be achieved when women, youths and persons with disabilities are given equal opportunities to participate in leadership and decision-making.
FOSIECON Adopts New Vision for Democratic Innovation
A major outcome of the conference was the formal adoption of the philosophy titled “Re-imagining SIECs as Laboratories of Subnational Democratic Innovation – Why Not, If Not?”
The Forum encouraged every State Independent Electoral Commission to evolve into a centre of excellence for electoral innovation, digital transformation, civic education, institutional research and democratic reforms.
Delegates also resolved that FOSIECON should continue serving as the country’s foremost platform for peer learning, policy development, institutional collaboration and the exchange of best practices among electoral management bodies.
Other resolutions included the regular conduct of local government elections within statutory timelines, investment in election technology, improved data management, staff training, combating misinformation and strengthening internal democracy within political parties.
Appreciation to Katsina Government
The conference commended development partners for their sustained technical and institutional support toward strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system.
Delegates also expressed appreciation to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda and the Katsina State Independent Electoral Commission for successfully hosting the conference, alongside the Local Organising Committee, resource persons and participating stakeholders.
Commitment to Grassroots Democracy
In its concluding declaration, FOSIECON reaffirmed its commitment to building strong, independent, innovative and professionally competent State Independent Electoral Commissions capable of conducting free, fair, transparent, credible and inclusive local government elections across Nigeria.
The Forum maintained that implementing the conference resolutions—particularly the institutionalisation of statutory funding for SIECs and the adoption of democratic innovation—would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s electoral architecture, restore citizens’ confidence in elections and deepen constitutional democracy at the grassroots.
