Politics

FOSIECON Conference in Jos: Stakeholders, Governors Call for Reforms to Strengthen Local Government Elections

Published

1 year ago

May 22, 2025

vicky

Governors, Stakeholders , 13th FOSIECON Conference ,Plateau

Electoral stakeholders, governors, and traditional leaders from across Nigeria gathered in Jos for the 13th National Delegates Conference of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions (FOSIECON), issuing a strong call for reforms to enhance credible and transparent local government elections nationwide.

The conference, held at Crispan Hotel, was declared open by FOSIECON Chairman, Chief Barr. Jossy Chibundu, who underscored the critical role of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) in deepening democracy at the grassroots level. He highlighted recurring challenges such as lack of financial autonomy, political interference, and public mistrust but applauded states like Plateau for demonstrating support for local governance through functional electoral bodies.

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, in his welcome address, emphasized the importance of credible leadership in national development. Drawing from the book Why Nations Fail, he linked the failure of institutions to the absence of conscience-driven leadership. Mutfwang also highlighted Plateau’s peaceful environment and readiness to host national events, encouraging participants to explore the state’s hospitality and beauty.

In a goodwill message, Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, commended Plateau’s progress and affirmed the need for electoral bodies to gain community trust and political independence. Traditional leader His Royal Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba, represented by the Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit, encouraged delegates to uphold peace and justice in their deliberations.

Other speakers included Prof. Chris Kwaja of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), development partner DAI, and Hon. Chris Hassan, IPAC Plateau State Chairman, who emphasized professionalism and neutrality in electoral processes.

Chairman of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), Hon. Plangji Daniel Cishak, thanked participants for their commitment and described the conference as a platform for shared learning and institutional improvement.

The ongoing conference aims to forge a united front for advancing electoral reforms, safeguarding the independence of SIECs, and ensuring transparent and credible elections at the local level across Nigeria.

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Senator I. D. Gyang Supporters Demand Review of Plateau North APC Primary Results

Published

4 days ago

May 30, 2026

vicky

Supporters of Senator I. D. Gyang have called for a review of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election results in Plateau North, alleging irregularities in the conduct of the exercise.

In a statement issued by the Director General of the I. D. Gyang Campaign Council, Comrade Lot Adas, the group expressed concern over what it described as a lack of transparency in the primary process.

The statement claimed that the outcome of the exercise did not reflect the wishes of party members, insisting that credible internal democracy must be upheld to preserve trust within the APC.

According to the group, party strength is rooted in grassroots participation, warning that any process that sidelines members’ votes could weaken unity and confidence in the party structure.

It further alleged that the Plateau North senatorial primary was not conducted in a manner consistent with due process, describing the results as unacceptable to many stakeholders within the constituency.

The supporters urged the APC leadership to ensure fairness and justice by reviewing the conduct and outcome of the primaries in line with party guidelines and democratic principles.

They also referenced ongoing considerations by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), expressing hope that the leadership would take corrective action after reviewing reports from relevant committees.

While calling for a review, the group appealed to party members and supporters to remain calm and peaceful, stressing that their demand is rooted in fairness, equity, and respect for internal democracy.

The statement reaffirmed commitment to the unity and progress of the APC in Plateau North, while insisting that only a credible and transparent process can strengthen the party ahead of future elections.

Signed:
Comrade Lot Adas
Director General, I. D. Gyang Campaign Council

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Samuel Kyarshik Emerges APM Governorship Flagbearer in Plateau

Published

6 days ago

May 29, 2026

Preport

Samuel Danauta Kyarshik has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Allied People’s Movement for the 2027 general elections in Plateau State.

Kyarshik emerged through a consensus affirmation process during the party’s governorship primary election held in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

The exercise was supervised by the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Solomon Luka, who said the process followed the party’s constitutional guidelines for consensus primaries.

Luka explained that the emergence of only one cleared aspirant made the consensus option necessary and straightforward.

“We are here to make it official because by our guidelines we have only two ways of conducting primaries; either direct primaries or consensus. Since there is only one aspirant, all we need to do is use the consensus option,” he stated.

Following consultations with delegates and party stakeholders present at the venue, Luka formally declared Kyarshik as the party’s authentic governorship candidate after no objections were raised.

Speaking shortly after his emergence, Kyarshik described the affirmation as the beginning of a new chapter for Plateau State, promising inclusive governance, peace, and economic transformation if elected governor in 2027.

According to him, Plateau State possesses enormous human and natural resources capable of driving development and prosperity.

“Plateau State is too rich to be poor,” he declared, while blaming years of poor leadership for the economic and social challenges confronting the state.

The APM governorship candidate pledged to focus on restoring unity, improving infrastructure, creating opportunities for residents, and addressing insecurity across the state.

On security, Kyarshik assured residents that his administration would prioritise the protection of lives and property, stressing that leadership requires sacrifice and commitment to the people.

Also speaking, the Plateau State Chairman of the APM, Mohammed Abdullahi Danbaba, said the party was determined to provide purposeful leadership and tackle challenges such as insecurity, poor roads, and lack of basic amenities.

Danbaba described Kyarshik as a loyal and capable leader with the qualities needed to move Plateau State forward.

In his remarks, Emmanuel Goladi said the party was prepared to offer a new style of leadership built on teamwork, unity, and practical solutions to the state’s challenges.

Goladi identified insecurity as one of the major issues facing Plateau State, adding that the party had developed strategies aimed at ensuring lasting peace and development across the state.