Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, on Friday, vowed that governors will not support the scrapping of State Independent Electoral Commissions.
He said the need for reforms to strengthen the various state SIECs’ capacity should be considered rather than abolishing them.
Sule, who stated this at the 13th National Delegates Conference of the Forum of Independent Electoral Commissions (FOSIECON) in Jos, Plateau State, described calls for the abolition of SIECs as misplaced.
He argued that even the Independent National Electoral Commission faces similar challenges.
“I agree one hundred per cent that abolishing SIECs is not a solution, and we will not support it. The same problems SIECs face—interference, funding constraints—are present at the national level,” he said.
The Nasarawa Governor identified political interference, underfunding, and lack of public trust as the core issues affecting SIECs, arguing that blaming them without addressing these structural problems is unfair.
“From my experience as governor over the past six years, interference and underfunding are the two biggest obstacles. These realities hinder the commissions from performing effectively,” he noted.
Sule added that the desire for political control is the real driver behind demands for SIECs’ scrapping.
“It’s not about improving democracy. It’s about control—control doesn’t build democracy or development. What we need are visionary leaders who serve with integrity,” he said.
The Nasarawa Governor expressed confidence that the conference would generate practical solutions, pledging his colleagues’ support for viable proposals.
“I believe many governors will gladly support the solutions you recommend,” he added.
On local government funding, Sule dismissed allegations that governors are withholding funds, saying most councils are underfunded and often depend on the state for support.
Earlier, FOSIECON Chairman Jossy Chibunde Eze called for constitutional respect, greater independence, and financial autonomy for SIECs, lamenting undue pressure from state executives.
“SIECs are constitutionally empowered to operate independently but often face political interference due to financial dependence,” Eze said.
