The Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission (TSIEC) and political parties in the state have agreed to strengthen collaboration ahead of future elections to promote transparency and credibility in the electoral process.
The TSIEC Chairman, Bala Job Aji, made the call on Tuesday during a familiarisation meeting with political party stakeholders held at the commission’s conference hall in Jalingo.
Aji said the meeting was organised to improve the relationship between the electoral body and political parties while ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral environment.
He stressed that unity and cooperation among all stakeholders were necessary for the success of elections, warning that division between the commission and political parties would not be tolerated.
“We can only achieve this when we are united. Division between TSIEC and political parties will not be allowed,” he said.
The TSIEC chairman also revealed that three councillorship seats in Donga, Wukari and Jalingo Local Government Areas were currently vacant.
He assured stakeholders that the commission was making arrangements to conduct elections to fill the vacant positions, adding that TSIEC remained committed to ensuring that the will of Taraba residents was reflected through the ballot.
“We are committed to ensuring that the true verdict of Tarabans is reflected on the ballot,” Aji stated.
Responding on behalf of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Taraba State chapter, Deputy Chairman Alhaji Saadu Abubakar, who represented IPAC Chairman Abubakar Bawa, praised TSIEC for engaging political parties early.
Abubakar described the move as a positive step that would build confidence among political stakeholders and strengthen the state’s electoral system.
Party chairmen who attended the meeting also pledged their support for the commission’s leadership, describing the new management as a sign of improvement in electoral affairs.
However, the stakeholders urged TSIEC to adopt modern technology in the electoral process to reduce irregularities and boost public confidence in elections across the state.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.