By Okerafor Athanasius, Jalingo
Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission (TSIEC) has scheduled Local Government Council (LGC) elections in the North-Eastern State for November 15, 2025.
Executive Chairman, TSIEC, Dr. (Chief) Philip Duwe revealed this during a stakeholders’ meeting at the conference hall of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) along Donga road, Jalingo,the state capital.
The occasion with the theme, ‘Declaration/Notice of 2025 Local Government Council elections’, Dr. Duwe, who explained that 2025 is election year for the 16 LGC Chairmen and their Councillors, disclosed that their tenures will expire in November this year.
Addressing the Chairmen, representatives of various political parties, the media and civil society organizations, Duwe explained that there are legal systems or legal backgrounds that determine declaration or giving a notice of LG elections.
According to him, the State House of Assembly Law No. 6 of 2002 says that the two- year tenure of the Local Government expires on a chosen date.
He added that his Commission will not wait for the expiration date but will ensure that when the LG tenure expires, another LG takes over in a peaceful transition.
Describing it as the only way to get stability in governance, Dr. Duwe added: “Government will have no reason for any caretaker wahala.
“Our own responsibility and core function of TSIEC is to plan, organize and conduct elections and we have four values, namely independence, neutrality, inclusivity and credibility.”
The TSIEC boss enjoined political parties to prepare their candidates to contest under their platforms during the election.
Pledging that the election would be credible, transparent, free and fair, Duwe noted that whosoever wins is indeed the actual winner, irrespective of political party.
He also announced that forms for the post of Chairmanship could be purchased for N1 million; Vice Chairmanship, N500,00.00; Councilorship, N150,000.00; Women, N75,000.00 while for persons living with disabilities, the forms will be free.
Duwe said while the poll results for Chairmen would emerge at their LGs, those for Councillors would emerge at their various electoral wards.
In a remark, State Chairman of opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), Barrister Ibrahim Tukur El-sudi, warned various political parties to be careful so as not to mess up the entire process.
El-sudi advised that they, as leaders, members and supporters of political parties, should ensure that people vote candidates of their choice.
“I want to implore you to strictly follow the provisions of TSIEC Law, 2002 particularly Sections 15, 21 and 24,” he urged.
El-sudi pointed out that these specify that elections shall be conducted 30 days before the expiration of the term of office of the incumbent.
“I heard the TSIEC Chairman mentioned 90 days; if there are amendments, please avail parties”, he added.
