Governor Mutfwang Defends State Electoral Commissions, Urges Reforms for Grassroots Democracy

Jos, Nigeria – Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has called for the preservation and empowerment of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), rejecting recent suggestions that they should be abolished. Speaking at the 13th National Delegates Conference of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions (FOSIECOM) held in Jos on Wednesday, Mutfwang stressed the need to reform, not eliminate, these electoral bodies to uphold democratic integrity at the local government level.

Governor Mutfwang, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), addressed electoral stakeholders and political observers, emphasizing that the real issue is not the existence of SIECs but their vulnerability to political interference and underfunding. “I remain convinced that abolishing the State Independent Electoral Commissions is not the solution to the challenges surrounding local government elections. Instead, we must reform, strengthen, and protect them, making them truly independent and effective,” he asserted.

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According to Mutfwang, credible elections at the grassroots are essential to Nigeria’s overall development. He argued that local governments—being the closest to the people—should be led by individuals chosen through transparent and legitimate processes. “Credible local elections are the bedrock of meaningful development. The leaders we elect at the grassroots level must be God-fearing, people-focused, and committed to service, not products of manipulated processes,” he stated.

Leadership as the Root of National Challenges

Governor Mutfwang used the platform to draw a direct connection between Nigeria’s broader challenges and the issue of leadership. He argued that regardless of sector or institution, the absence of visionary, accountable leadership remains Nigeria’s most pressing concern.

“The heart of our national challenges, whether in development, elections, or institutional integrity, boils down to one word: leadership. We must become deliberate about recruiting leaders with conscience, courage, and a genuine passion for the people,” he noted.

He condemned the continuous recycling of political figures who treat leadership as a personal enterprise rather than a public trust. Mutfwang urged citizens to be intentional in electing leaders who possess integrity and a genuine commitment to societal progress.

Call for SIEC Autonomy and Institutional Reforms

The governor also emphasized that reforms should prioritize granting SIECs autonomy, shielding them from undue political influence and allowing them to conduct free and fair local elections. “Let us give them the autonomy, tools, and support they need to serve democracy, not political agendas,” Mutfwang said.

Highlighting the consequences of flawed electoral processes, he warned that when elections lack credibility, the loss goes beyond finances—it erodes public trust and weakens democratic institutions. “When billions are spent without fairness and transparency, we waste not only resources but public trust,” he remarked.

Governor Mutfwang praised the role of FOSIECOM in facilitating dialogue on electoral integrity and credited the forum for giving voice to critical issues affecting Nigeria’s democratic processes. He noted that the organization’s work is vital to the collective mission of improving local governance.

Governor Sule Echoes the Call for Reform

Also speaking at the conference, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State echoed Mutfwang’s sentiments, stressing that political interference is the primary obstacle undermining the efficiency and credibility of SIECs. Sule emphasized that mere financial support will not suffice unless electoral bodies are insulated from partisan control.

“The real threat to the effectiveness of SIECs is not just underfunding, but political interference,” Governor Sule warned. His remarks further underscored the urgency of reforming the local electoral framework to restore public confidence and ensure that elections reflect the true will of the people.

Path Forward: Local Democracy as a National Priority

Governor Mutfwang’s address reaffirmed a growing consensus among reform-minded leaders that Nigeria must pay closer attention to local democracy. By building credible, independent institutions from the bottom up, the nation can lay a stronger foundation for governance that is responsive, inclusive, and sustainable.

His final call to action was both a challenge and a vision: “Together, let us build a system where democracy begins at the grassroots and thrives all the way to the top.”