Plateau State is set to host the 13th National Delegates Conference of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON), as announced by the Chairman of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), Mr. Plangji Daniel Cishak, during a press briefing on Tuesday.
The high-level electoral summit will hold in Jos from May 21 to 23, 2025, and is expected to attract over 300 delegates, including Chairmen, Commissioners, and Secretaries of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
With the theme, “Local Government Elections in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities,” the conference aims to provide a platform for dialogue on the future of grassroots elections, institutional reforms, and the role of SIECs in deepening democracy at the local level.
“This theme is not only timely but critical,” Mr. Cishak stated. “It encourages reflection, constructive debate, and actionable outcomes, especially at a time when the credibility of local government elections is under increasing scrutiny.”
The conference will be chaired by the Gbong Gwom Jos, His Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba, and will draw participation from three state governors, members of the National Assembly, particularly those serving on electoral committees, and representatives of the Forum of Nigerian Speakers of State Assemblies. The event is also supported by DAI International Development, in collaboration with FOSIECON and other electoral reform partners.
In his address, the PLASIEC Chairman applauded the media for their role during the October 9, 2024, Local Government Elections, describing the coverage as “professional, balanced, and instrumental” to the credibility of the exercise. He expressed confidence in the media’s continued commitment as partners in strengthening democratic governance.
Highlighting ongoing internal reforms, Mr. Cishak noted that PLASIEC has invested in infrastructure upgrades, staff training, and institutional capacity-building to ensure readiness for future elections. “Sustainable electoral reform begins from within,” he said, reaffirming PLASIEC’s core values of integrity, transparency, inclusivity, and legal compliance.
Mr. Cishak also addressed the national debate surrounding the relevance of State Independent Electoral Commissions, cautioning against calls to abolish them. “Scrapping SIECs would be unconstitutional and detrimental to our democratic aspirations,” he warned. “Instead, we should focus on strengthening them through reform, standardization, and capacity development.”
He emphasized that the upcoming conference will serve as a platform for peer learning, innovation sharing, and strategic planning for improved local electoral practices nationwide.
The PLASIEC chairman concluded by calling on media professionals across print, broadcast, and digital platforms to give the conference the coverage it deserves, saying, “You have the tools to shape public perception and ensure the decisions made here echo across Nigeria.”
“Plateau State is ready to host the nation,” Mr. Cishak declared. “With your support, this conference can be a turning point for grassroots democracy in Nigeria.”