* Urges Electoral Stakeholders to Tackle Voter Apathy, Strengthen Public Confidence in Nigeria’s Electoral Process
The Executive Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has called on electoral stakeholders across the country to develop practical strategies for addressing voter apathy and strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
A statement signed by Ibrahim kaula Mohammad chief press secretary to the Governor said, Governor Radda 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, Katsina.
The conference, themed “Myth of Voter Apathy in Nigeria’s Elections,” attracted officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, other electoral stakeholders from across the country.
Governor Radda ably represented by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Mannir Ayyuba Sullubawa, described the conference as timely, noting that Nigeria’s democracy can only flourish when electoral institutions remain transparent, accountable, credible, and responsive to the aspirations of the people.
“State Independent Electoral Commissions occupy a strategic position in consolidating our democracy by conducting credible local government elections that genuinely reflect the will of the electorate and inspire public confidence,” the Governor stated.
He urged participants to utilise the conference to examine practical solutions capable of increasing citizens’ participation in elections and strengthening confidence in the nation’s electoral process.
“As we prepare for future electoral cycles, we must continue to strengthen our institutions, promote transparency, and deepen public trust in the democratic process,” he added.
Governor Radda commended FOSIECON for sustaining a platform that promotes dialogue, peer learning, and professional collaboration among electoral management bodies across the federation.
He also applauded the Katsina State Independent Electoral Commission (KTSIEC) for successfully conducting the state’s local government elections 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,” the Governor noted.
Earlier, the National Chairman of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON), Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, said the conference would provide an opportunity to examine emerging electoral challenges, exchange experiences, strengthen institutional capacity, and develop practical strategies for improving electoral administration nationwide.
He commended Governor Radda for hosting the conference, describing Katsina as a worthy host because of the administration’s commitment to democratic governance, institutional development, and quality public service.
Hon. 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 resolutions would further strengthen democratic institutions across Nigeria.
Also speaking, the 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 the forum continues to play a vital role in promoting constitutional democracy through credible local government elections.
On his part,t 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 in Nigeria.
The conference brought together officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, Chairmen and Commissioners of State Independent Electoral Commissions from across the federation, development partn
