Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has called on electoral stakeholders across Nigeria to develop practical strategies for addressing voter apathy and strengthening public confidence in the country’s democratic process.
The governor made the call while declaring open the 14th National Delegates Conference of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON), held at the Hillside Royal Suites Conference Hall in Katsina.
Hon. Mannir Ayyuba Sullubawa
Represented by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Mannir Ayyuba Sullubawa, Governor Radda described the conference, themed “Myth of Voter Apathy in Nigeria’s Elections,” as timely, saying Nigeria’s democracy could only thrive when electoral institutions remain transparent, accountable, credible and responsive to the aspirations of the people.
He said State Independent Electoral Commissions occupy a strategic position in consolidating democracy by conducting credible local government elections that genuinely reflect the will of the electorate and inspire public confidence.
“As we prepare for future electoral cycles, we must continue to strengthen our institutions, promote transparency and deepen public trust in the democratic process,” the governor said.
Governor Radda urged participants to use the conference to identify practical solutions capable of increasing citizens’ participation in elections and improving confidence in the nation’s electoral system.
He also commended FOSIECON for providing a platform that promotes dialogue, peer learning and professional collaboration among electoral management bodies across the federation.
The governor further praised the Katsina State Independent Electoral Commission (KTSIEC) for successfully conducting local government elections in the state without any election petition or court challenge.
“The peaceful conduct of our local government elections and the absence of litigation underscore our commitment to credible, transparent and inclusive electoral processes,” he stated.
Hon. Mamman Nda Eri
Earlier, the National Chairman of FOSIECON, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, said the conference would provide an opportunity for participants to examine emerging electoral challenges, exchange experiences, strengthen institutional capacity and develop practical strategies for improving electoral administration across the country.
He commended Governor Radda for hosting the conference, describing Katsina as a worthy venue because of the administration’s commitment to democratic governance, institutional development and quality public service.
Nda Eri urged State Independent Electoral Commissions to remain committed to innovation, transparency and strict adherence to the rule of law, expressing confidence that the conference’s resolutions would further strengthen democratic institutions nationwide.
Alhaji Tukur Ahmed Jikamshi
Chairman of the occasion and former Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Tukur Ahmed Jikamshi, described FOSIECON as a strategic institution in Nigeria’s democratic architecture, noting that it continues to play a vital role in promoting constitutional democracy through credible local government elections.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Katsina State Independent Electoral Commission (KTSIEC) and National Public Secretary of FOSIECON, Alhaji Lawal Alhassan Faskari, said the conference would enable State Independent Electoral Commissions to review their operations, improve electoral administration and identify practical solutions to the persistent challenge of voter apathy.
The conference attracted officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, chairmen and commissioners of State Independent Electoral Commissions from across the federation, development partners and other electoral stakeholders.
