By Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
The Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission (TSIEC), has schedule the 15th of November, 2025 as a day for the conduct of Local Government election in the state.
Chairman of the Commission, Chief Dr. Philip Danladi Duwe disclose this during a stakeholders meeting held at the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Conference Hall, Jalingo, where he issued a formal notice for the conduct of the 2025 local government council elections.
“The law provides for a two-year tenure for elected local government chairmen in Taraba State.
“With the expiration of the current tenure approaching, the Commission is fully prepared to conduct credible polls.
“Local government council elections are vital to the growth and sustenance of democracy.
“We have put in place all the necessary structures to ensure a free, fair, and transparent electoral process.
According to him, the Commission remains committed to discharging its constitutional mandate without fear or favor, adding that the guidelines for the 2025 elections will soon be made public.
The Chairman who doubles as the National Publicity Secretary of Association of States Independent Electoral Commission pointed out that each state has its tennure of local government executives.
“Some states are Two, Three while others are Four years just like the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja while that of Taraba State is Two years.
He announced the price of Forms for local government elective positions as: Chairmanship – 1 Million naira for Male aspirants, while 250, 000 naira for Female aspirants, Vice Chairman – 500,000, Councilorship – 150,000 naira for Male aspirants while 75,000 for Females aspirants and Disability – Free.
Dr. Duwe used the opportunity to call on civil servants interested in contesting for elective positions to resign from service at least Ninety (90) days before the date of the elections, in line with electoral laws.
“This is an election year and we are giving notice notice based on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act. Those wishing to go into politics should resign within Thirty days.
He assured political party leaders that the Commission will strictly abide by the laws and guides for successful election in the state.
“The Commission will soon come out with the guidelines for the election.
He commended the Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, for his efforts in repositioning the local government system for improved grassroots governance, describing the governor’s reforms as timely and progressive.
Stakeholders at the meeting, including Chairmen of Political Parties and representatives of civil society organizations, underscored the importance of internal party democracy.
They urged political leaders to create an enabling environment for the electorate to freely choose candidates of their choice.
The meeting marked the beginning of TSIEC’s consultative engagements ahead of the 2025 local government elections across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state.
The Chairman announced that the tenure of the current local government Chairmen in the state will officially come to an end in November 2025.
Speaking, the state Chairman of the All Progressive Congress APC, Barrister Tukur Ibrahim El – Sudi, advice political parties to ensure that people vote for the candidates of their choice.
“I implore TSIEC to strictly follow the law which gives Ninety days.
He commend the leadership role of the Chairman TSIEC, Dr. Philip Danladi Duwe and urge him to sustain the tempo.
According to him, the rulling party in most states, it is the rulling party that win all seats at the local government levels.
“Except you have a God fearing Governor that can allow free and fair election, because the Governor detamine who wins the election.
On his part, a veteran Journalist, Ben Adaji emphasize that the Media plays an important role in the society.
“Without the Media, the society is in darkness, nobody will hear or know what is happening.
He appeal to TSIEC to make provision for the Media which includes, logistics, Tags, Security amongst others for effective coverage during and after the election.
“Journalists go into remote towns and villages to cover and report elections, they need to be equiped and protected.
He assured political parties and TSIEC that the Media will be fair and balance while covering and reporting the election.
Also speaking, Electoral Officer, Gashaka local government, Sanusi Bako said Journalists stand the role of promoting democracy and peace in the society.
“The Reporter should be objective and balance while covering and reporting the election.
“Our reports will help the election system and promote democracy in our state, Nation and the world at large.
Some of the issues discourse during the meeting includes, the Role of Political Parties, the Media, Civil Society’s and None Governmental Organizations, Citizens, General Public, Questions and Answers session.