Edo State Independent Electoral Commission

25/07/2026

EDSIEC Chairman and Commissioners Participate in the 14th FOSIECON National Delegates Conference as Forum Calls for 1% First-Line Charge Funding for SIECs and Identifies Insecurity and Distrust as Major Drivers of Voter Apathy

The Chairman of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), Hon. Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, led a delegation of the Commission to the 14th National Delegates Conference of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON), held in Katsina State from 20th to 24th July, 2026.

Accompanying the Chairman were Commissioner in charge of ICT and Training, Dr. Suleman O. Ikhuoriah, and Commissioner, Hon. Habib Umoru Frank, who joined Chairmen, Commissioners and Members of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), legal practitioners, election management experts, academics, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, security agencies, development partners, the media, and other critical stakeholders from across the country to deliberate on strengthening local government electoral administration in Nigeria.

The conference, themed "Understanding Voter Apathy in Nigeria's Elections: Reality or Misconception," provided an important platform for robust discussions on institutional independence and financial autonomy of SIECs, electoral law reforms, technology-driven election management, voter education, inclusive participation, democratic innovation, and strategies for improving the credibility of local government elections.

During the conference, delegates observed that inadequate, irregular and unpredictable funding remains one of the greatest challenges confronting State Independent Electoral Commissions. Consequently, FOSIECON resolved that State Governments should strengthen the financial autonomy of SIECs through a statutory First-Line Charge, recommending that One Percent (1%) of the monthly allocation due to Local Governments be dedicated to the operations of State Independent Electoral Commissions. The Forum noted that sustainable funding would improve long-term planning, timely procurement of election materials, investment in technology, voter education, staff development, and overall electoral efficiency.

The conference also concluded that declining voter turnout should not simply be interpreted as citizens' lack of interest in elections. Rather, voter apathy is driven by several interconnected factors, including insecurity, misinformation, inadequate voter education, logistical challenges, political distrust, economic realities, and the perception that votes do not count. Delegates further affirmed that rebuilding public confidence in elections requires collective efforts by SIECs, INEC, political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, traditional and religious institutions, development partners, and the media.
In addition, the Forum reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening democratic governance by encouraging continuous voter education, investment in election technology, institutional reforms, staff capacity development, transparency, accountability, and inclusive participation of women, youths, and persons with disabilities in the electoral process.

The conference formally adopted the philosophy of "Re-imagining SIECs as Laboratories of Subnational Democratic Innovation – Why Not, If Not?", urging every State Independent Electoral Commission to become a centre of excellence in electoral innovation, digital transformation, civic education, research, and institutional development.

The participation of Hon. Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, Dr. Suleman O. Ikhuoriah, and Hon. Habib Umoru Frank underscores EDSIEC's unwavering commitment to continuous institutional learning, capacity building, collaboration with sister electoral commissions, and the adoption of national best practices aimed at strengthening grassroots democracy and promoting free, fair, credible, transparent, inclusive, and peaceful local government elections in Edo State.

OBSERVATIONS
After extensive deliberations, the Conference observed that:

1. State Independent Electoral Commissions remain indispensable constitutional institutions for sustaining democratic governance at the grassroots and must be continually strengthened to discharge their constitutional responsibilities professionally, independently, transparently and impartially.

2. Inadequate, irregular and unpredictable funding remains one of the greatest challenges confronting many SIECs, thereby undermining institutional independence, long-term planning and the credibility of local government elections.

3. The Conference noted that declining voter turnout should not simply be interpreted as citizens’ lack of interest in elections. Rather, voter apathy is a complex phenomenon driven by several interconnected factors, including insecurity, misinformation, inadequate voter education, logistical challenges, political distrust, economic realities and the perception that votes do not count. It concluded that voter apathy is both a reality and, in some circumstances, a misconception, as many Nigerians remain willing to participate whenever elections are transparent, peaceful and credible.

4. Participants recognised that rebuilding public confidence in elections requires the collective efforts of SIECs, INEC, political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, traditional and religious institutions, development partners and the media.

5. The Conference observed that women remain significantly underrepresented in local government councils due to entrenched socio-cultural norms, economic constraints, political violence, discriminatory practices, inadequate party support and other systemic barriers, despite constitutional guarantees of equality and Nigeria’s international commitments on gender inclusion.

6. The Conference reaffirmed that local governments can only deliver responsive and inclusive governance when women, youths and persons with disabilities are given equal opportunities to participate in leadership responsive and in decision making.

7. Participants endorsed the vision of “Re-imagining SIECs as Laboratories of Subnational Democratic Innovation – Why Not, If Not?” as a strategic pathway towards strengthening electoral administration and democratic governance at the subnational level.

RESOLUTIONS
Consequently, the Conference unanimously resolved that:

1. State Governments and State Houses of Assembly should review their respective SIEC Laws to guarantee sustainable financial autonomy through a statutory First-Line Charge by setting aside One Percent (1%) of the monthly allocation due to Local Governments for the operations of State Independent Electoral Commissions.

2. Such sustainable funding should enable SIECs to strengthen institutional capacity, improve long-term planning, procure election materials in good time, invest in technology, expand voter education programmes, enhance staff development and conduct elections without avoidable financial constraints.

3. States should periodically review their Electoral Laws to ensure consistency with constitutional provisions, relevant judicial pronouncements, democratic realities and internationally accepted standards for election administration.

4. States should, where constitutionally permissible, incorporate progressive provisions of the Electoral Act (as amended) that enhance transparency, accountability, technological innovation, inclusion and effective electoral dispute management.

5. FOSIECON formally adopts the philosophy of “Re-imagining SIECs as Laboratories of Subnational Democratic Innovation – Why Not, If Not?” and encourages every State Independent Electoral Commission to become a centre of excellence in electoral innovation, digital transformation, civic education, research and institutional development.

6. FOSIECON should continue to serve as the foremost national platform for peer learning, institutional collaboration, policy development, research and the exchange of best practices among State Independent Electoral Commissions.

7. SIECs should deepen collaboration with INEC, security agencies, political parties, civil society organisations, traditional and religious institutions, development partners and the media in order to promote peaceful, transparent, inclusive and credible local government elections.

8. Local government elections should continue to be conducted regularly and strictly within the timelines prescribed by law as an essential requirement for deepening constitutional democracy at the grassroots.

9. SIECs should continue investing in staff development, election technology, voter education, data management systems and institutional reforms that strengthen public confidence in electoral administration.

10. Continuous voter education and civic engagement programmes should be institutionalised to improve citizens’ understanding of the electoral process, increase participation and strengthen democratic culture.

11. SIECs should leverage technology, community engagement and strategic partnerships to improve voter awareness and participation in local government elections.

12. Governments and security agencies should provide a secure environment that enables citizens to vote freely without fear, intimidation or violence.

13. Political parties should strengthen internal democracy, promote issue-based campaigns, reduce political tensions and conduct themselves responsibly in ways that restore public confidence in elections.

14. Electoral stakeholders should intensify efforts to combat misinformation and disinformation capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.

15. Election management bodies should continue to improve transparency, professionalism, accountability and inclusiveness in order to reassurecitizens that every valid vote counts.

16. State Governments, political parties and all relevant stakeholders should adopt deliberate policies and practical measures to encourage and support qualified women to contest local government elections.

17. Political parties should reform their nomination procedures by eliminating discriminatory practices, reducing financial barriers and creating greater opportunities for women aspirants.

18. Traditional rulers, religious leaders, educational institutions, civil society organisations and the media should intensify public enlightenment campaigns aimed at dismantling harmful socio-cultural stereotypes and promoting wider acceptance of women in political leadership.

19. Governments at all levels should invest in leadership development, political mentoring, capacity building and economic empowerment programmes that enhance women’s competitiveness in elective politics.

20. Security agencies and electoral stakeholders should work together to eliminate electoral violence, intimidation, harassment and other forms of abuse that discourage women and other vulnerable groups from participating in elections.

21. The Conference reaffirmed the importance of inclusive democracy and called for increased participation of women, young people and persons with disabilities in every aspect of the electoral process as voters, candidates, election officials and stakeholders.

22. Development partners and election support organisations were commended for their invaluable technical and institutional support towards strengthening electoral management bodies in Nigeria and were encouraged to sustain these partnerships.

23. The Conference expressed profound appreciation to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Katsina State, for his unwavering support, warm hospitality and commitment to the successful hosting of the Conference.Special appreciation was also extended to the Katsina State Independent Electoral Commission, the Local Organising Committee, resource persons, development partners and all delegates whose dedication contributed immensely to the success of the Conference.

24. The Conference called upon the Federal Government, State Governments, the National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly, the Judiciary, INEC, development partners, civil society organisations and all stakeholders to support reforms that will strengthen the independence, financial sustainability, operational effectiveness and institutional capacity of State Independent Electoral Commissions.

CONCLUSION

The 14th National Delegates Conference reaffirmed FOSIECON’s unwavering commitment to building strong, independent, innovative and professionally competent State Independent Electoral Commissions capable of conducting free, fair, credible, inclusive and transparent local government elections. The Conference further affirmed that restoring public confidence in elections through institutional reforms, sustained voter education, credible electoral processes, inclusive participation and democratic innovation remains the most effective response to voter apathy and the surest path to strengthening grassroots democracy in Nigeria.

The Conference also reaffirmed that increasing the participation and representation of women in local government councils is essential to inclusive governance, democratic consolidation and sustainable national development. Participants expressed confidence that the faithful implementation of these resolutions, particularly the institutionalisation of sustainable statutory funding for SIECs and the repositioning of State Independent Electoral Commissions as laboratories of subnational democratic innovation, will significantly strengthen Nigeria’s electoral architecture, enhance citizens’ confidence in local government elections and further consolidate constitutional democracy across the Federation.
Adopted unanimously this 24th day of July, 2026, at Katsina, Katsina State, Nigeria.
HON. MAMMAN NDA ERI.
National Chairman
FOSIECON

HON. GENEVIEVE OSAKWE Esq.
General Secretary
FOSIECON

07/07/2026

Ok oooooo

07/07/2026

Learn Fast

06/07/2026

EDSIEC TRAINS ABOUT 10,000 AD-HOC STAFF ACROSS 18 LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS AHEAD OF THE 11TH JULY, 2026 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS

In furtherance of its commitment to delivering free, fair, credible, inclusive, and peaceful Local Government Elections, the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) successfully conducted a comprehensive capacity-building training programme for approximately 10,000 Ad-hoc Staff across the 18 Local Government Areas of Edo State.

The training, which was held from Tuesday, 30th June to Friday, 3rd July, 2026, formed a critical component of the Commission's preparations for the forthcoming 11th July, 2026 Local Government Elections.

The exercise was coordinated by the Commission's Electoral Officers in the various Local Government Areas under the supervision of the Commission's Management, with experienced facilitators and trainers drawn from the Commission leading the various sessions.

The training programme was designed to equip Ad-hoc Staff with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience required for the efficient conduct of elections. Participants received intensive training on:

• Election processes, procedures, and operational guidelines;
• Roles and responsibilities of election officials;
• Professional ethics, integrity, neutrality, and accountability;
• Polling Unit setup and management;
• Accreditation and voting procedures;
• Sorting, counting, and collation of election results;
• Completion of statutory election forms;
• Handling election materials;
• Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), the elderly, pregnant women, and nursing mothers;
• Electoral offences and conflict prevention;
• Election security and effective collaboration with security agencies.

To ensure practical understanding, the training also featured hands-on demonstrations, polling unit simulations, role plays, mock accreditation and voting exercises, practical result collation sessions, question-and-answer interactions, and evaluation quizzes to assess participants' readiness for Election Day.

Speaking during the training, the Chairman of EDSIEC, Hon. Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to building the capacity of election personnel, noting that competent, well-trained, and disciplined election officials remain indispensable to the conduct of credible elections.

He emphasized that the Commission will continue to invest in continuous training and retraining of its personnel in line with international best practices in election management.

The Commission also commended the dedication and professionalism of its Commissioners, Management Staff, Electoral Officers, Assistant Electoral Officers, Resource Persons, Facilitators, Trainers, and other support staff, whose commitment ensured the successful implementation of the statewide training programme.

With the successful completion of the exercise, EDSIEC has further strengthened its preparedness for the forthcoming Local Government Elections and reassures the people of Edo State of its unwavering commitment to conducting elections that are free, fair, transparent, credible, inclusive, and reflective of the will of the electorate.

EDSIEC – Strengthening Democracy at the Grassroots.

06/07/2026

EDSIEC IKPOBA-OKHA FIELD OFFICE, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IKPOBA-OKHA LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL, HOLDS TOWN HALL STAKEHOLDERS’ ENGAGEMENT ON CIVIC AND VOTER EDUCATION

As part of sustained efforts to deepen democratic participation and promote informed voter engagement ahead of the forthcoming Local Government Elections, the Ikpoba-Okha Field Office of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), in collaboration with Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Council, convened a Town Hall Stakeholders’ Engagement on Civic and Voter Education on Thursday, 2nd July 2026, at the Ikpoba-Okha Council Hall, Benin City

The engagement brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including local government officials, traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, civil society organisations, political party representatives, youth and women groups, community leaders, media practitioners, and members of the public.

The Chairman of EDSIEC, Hon. Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, was represented by Commissioner Hon. Ighomo Thomas Egharevba, who delivered the Commission’s message and reaffirmed EDSIEC’s commitment to strengthening democratic values through continuous civic and voter education.

The technical session was facilitated by Dr. Suleman Ikhuoriah, who served as the Resource Person and delivered a presentation titled:
“Strengthening Democratic Participation at the Grassroots: The Role of Citizens in Local Government Elections.”

Also present at the event were the Acting Chairman of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Council, Hon. Sino Eric,; members of the Executive Council; the Electoral Officer for Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Mr. Kingsley Osa Enobakhare; the Speaker and Councillors of the Legislative Arm; and other key stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of the Commission, the Chairman’s representative emphasised that civic and voter education is a collective responsibility that requires sustained collaboration among electoral institutions, government agencies, traditional institutions, religious bodies, civil society organisations, the media, youth and women groups, and citizens across the State.

The Commission also appreciated Akoko-Edo Local Government Council for its partnership and support in hosting the programme and commended the Council’s commitment to advancing civic awareness and democratic participation at the grassroots.

In his presentation, Dr. Ikhuoriah underscored that the strength and sustainability of democracy depend on active citizenship, responsible participation, and informed electoral choices. He noted that meaningful local development and effective representation can only be achieved when citizens actively engage in the democratic process.

According to him:

“Every vote counts. Every citizen matters. Every community matters.”

Participants were encouraged to reject voter apathy, electoral violence, vote-buying, misinformation, and all forms of electoral misconduct, while embracing peaceful participation, civic responsibility, accountability, and democratic values.

As Edo State prepares for the 11th July 2026 Local Government Elections, stakeholders were urged to continue supporting efforts toward peaceful, credible, inclusive, and participatory elections across the State.
This engagement forms part of EDSIEC’s ongoing commitment to strengthening democracy through sustained voter education and strategic stakeholder engagement across all Local Government Areas in Edo State.

EDSIEC — Strengthening Democracy at the Grassroots.

01/07/2026

28/06/2026

EDSIEC TAKES VOTER EDUCATION TO RELIGIOUS LEADERS IN EDO STATE

As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening democratic participation and promoting peaceful elections across the State, the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) extended its voter education and stakeholder engagement activities to religious leaders during the 3rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Edo State League of Imams held on Saturday, 27th June, 2026 at the Irrua Central Mosque, Irrua, Edo State.

Representing the Commission at the event, the Commissioner in charge of ICT and Training, Dr. Suleman Ikhuoriah (PhD), delivered the keynote lecture on the theme:

“Faith and Democracy: The Strategic Role of Religious Leaders in Promoting Peaceful, Credible, Inclusive, and Participatory Elections in Edo State.”

Addressing over one hundred (100) Imams and Islamic scholars drawn from across Edo State, Dr. Ikhuoriah highlighted the critical role religious institutions and leaders play in shaping values, promoting peaceful coexistence, strengthening civic consciousness, and deepening democratic culture.

He emphasised that:

“Faith and democracy are not adversaries; rather, when properly understood, faith strengthens democracy by producing ethical citizens and accountable leaders.”

He further noted that religious leaders occupy strategic positions in influencing attitudes, fostering social harmony, preserving peace, and encouraging responsible civic participation.

Speaking ahead of the forthcoming 11th July, 2026 Local Government Elections in Edo State, Dr. Ikhuoriah called on Imams and religious leaders to use their platforms to promote peaceful participation, voter education, inclusion, respect for democratic values, and the rejection of electoral violence, misinformation, hate speech, and voter apathy.

According to him:

“As Edo State prepares for the forthcoming Local Government Elections, may our mosques become centres of peace, civic enlightenment, justice, and national development.”

The event was attended by distinguished religious and community leaders including the Chairman, League of Imams Edo State, Sheikh Abdul Fattah Enabulele; Chairman, League of Imams Edo Central, Sheikh Musa Mahmud; Chairman, League of Imams Edo North, Sheikh Zakariyyah Oboh; and the Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Edo State on Religious Matters, Dr. Sule Faraday Azekhumen ably represented by Alhaji Umar Bawa SSA to the Governor, among other notable dignitaries.

The engagement forms part of EDSIEC’s broader strategy to deepen voter education, strengthen stakeholder collaboration, and ensure the conduct of peaceful, credible, inclusive, and participatory Local Government Elections in Edo State.

EDSIEC – Strengthening Democracy at the Grassroots.

28/06/2026

EDSIEC ORGANISES CAPACITY BUILDING TRAINING FOR ELECTORAL OFFICERS AHEAD OF THE 11TH JULY, 2026 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS

As part of preparations towards the successful conduct of the forthcoming 11th July, 2026 Local Government Elections, the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) on Friday, 26th June, 2026, organised a Capacity Building Training for Electoral Officers and Assistant Electoral Officers at the EDSIEC Headquarters, Benin City.

The training focused on Election Processes, Procedures, Operational Guidelines, and Effective Election Management, with the objective of strengthening the capacity, competence, and operational readiness of Electoral Officers who play critical roles in the administration and conduct of elections across the State.

Declaring the training open, the Chairman of EDSIEC, Hon. Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, emphasised that the success, credibility, and integrity of any election depend significantly on the preparedness and professionalism of election managers. He noted that Electoral Officers occupy strategic positions in the electoral value chain and therefore must possess sound knowledge of electoral laws, operational procedures, and election management principles.

The Chairman further stated that the training was designed to improve professionalism, enhance compliance with electoral guidelines, reduce operational errors, and promote effective coordination in the management of the electoral process.

The first Resource Person, Dr. Suleman Ikhuoriah, delivered presentations in two sessions covering critical areas including Local Government Election Administration and Conduct of Elections, Election Processes, Procedures, Operational Guidelines and Effective Election Management, as well as The Role of Facilitators/Trainers in Election Training Programmes.

Participants also undertook practical sessions facilitated by Mr. Aideyan Dickson, which focused on Polling Unit Setup, Election Material Distribution, and Result Collation Procedures. The practical exercises provided participants with hands-on experience to reinforce learning and improve operational effectiveness on Election Day.

Other Commissioners present at the training included Hon. Victor Ojo Asein, Hon. Ighomo Thomas Egharevba, Hon. Anthony Aikpoghome, and Hon. Habib Umoru Frank.

The training recorded the participation of eighteen (18) Electoral Officers and Assistant Electoral Officers drawn from the Commission’s Local Government Field Offices across Edo State.

The programme forms part of EDSIEC’s continuous commitment to strengthening institutional capacity and delivering credible, peaceful, inclusive, transparent, and democratic Local Government Elections in Edo State.

EDSIEC – Strengthening Democracy at the Grassroots.

27/06/2026

EDSIEC AKOKO-EDO FIELD OFFICE, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AKOKO-EDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL, HOLDS TOWN HALL STAKEHOLDERS’ ENGAGEMENT ON CIVIC AND VOTER EDUCATION

As part of sustained efforts to deepen democratic participation and promote informed voter engagement ahead of the forthcoming Local Government Elections, the Akoko-Edo Field Office of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), in collaboration with Akoko-Edo Local Government Council, convened a Town Hall Stakeholders’ Engagement on Civic and Voter Education on Thursday, 25th June 2026, at the Akoko-Edo Council Multipurpose Hall, Igarra.

The engagement brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including local government officials, traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, civil society organisations, political party representatives, youth and women groups, community leaders, media practitioners, and members of the public.

The Chairman of EDSIEC, Hon. Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, was represented by Commissioner Hon. Habib Umoru Frank, who delivered the Commission’s message and reaffirmed EDSIEC’s commitment to strengthening democratic values through continuous civic and voter education.

The technical session was facilitated by Dr. Suleman Ikhuoriah, who served as the Resource Person and delivered a presentation titled:

“Strengthening Democratic Participation at the Grassroots: The Role of Citizens in Local Government Elections.”

Also present at the event were the Executive Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government Council, Hon. Alabi Bliss,; members of the Executive Council; the Electoral Officer for Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Mr. Akinyemi Babatunde; the Speaker and Councillors of the Legislative Arm; and other key stakeholders.

Speaking on behalf of the Commission, the Chairman’s representative emphasised that civic and voter education is a collective responsibility that requires sustained collaboration among electoral institutions, government agencies, traditional institutions, religious bodies, civil society organisations, the media, youth and women groups, and citizens across the State.

The Commission also appreciated Akoko-Edo Local Government Council for its partnership and support in hosting the programme and commended the Council’s commitment to advancing civic awareness and democratic participation at the grassroots.

In his presentation, Dr. Ikhuoriah underscored that the strength and sustainability of democracy depend on active citizenship, responsible participation, and informed electoral choices. He noted that meaningful local development and effective representation can only be achieved when citizens actively engage in the democratic process.

According to him:
“Every vote counts. Every citizen matters. Every community matters.”

Participants were encouraged to reject voter apathy, electoral violence, vote-buying, misinformation, and all forms of electoral misconduct, while embracing peaceful participation, civic responsibility, accountability, and democratic values.
As Edo State prepares for the 11th July 2026 Local Government Elections, stakeholders were urged to continue supporting efforts toward peaceful, credible, inclusive, and participatory elections across the State.

This engagement forms part of EDSIEC’s ongoing commitment to strengthening democracy through sustained voter education and strategic stakeholder engagement across all Local Government Areas in Edo State.

EDSIEC — Strengthening Democracy at the Grassroots.