Council Chairmen’s Tenure Ends in November as TSIEC Sets LG Poll for Nov 15

 

The Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission (TSIEC) has officially scheduled elections into the 16 Local Government Councils of the state to hold on Saturday, November 15, 2025.

 

The announcement was made during a well-attended stakeholders' meeting organized by the commission held at the NUT Conference Hall in Jalingo on Tuesday. The engagement brought together representatives of political parties, civil society organizations, and members of the public, as part of efforts to deepen democratic processes at the grassroots level.

 

Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Chief Dr. Philip Duwe, said the purpose of the meeting was to bring stakeholders together to collectively brainstorm on ways to strengthen the electoral process and ensure a smooth, peaceful transition in local administration.

 

Dr. Duwe praised the Federal Government for outlawing caretaker committees at the local government level, describing the decision as a bold and democratic step that would enhance good governance and accountability.

 

He disclosed that preparations were already in top gear to deliver credible, transparent, and inclusive elections, in accordance with the provisions of the state electoral law. According to him, the law requires the commission to notify the public of any scheduled election at least 90 days ahead of time.

 

"With the current tenure of elected local council officials expiring in November, it is imperative we act within the law and put systems in place early enough," Dr. Duwe said.

 

He also announced the cost of nomination forms for aspirants, stating that candidates vying for the chairmanship positions would pay one million naira, while those seeking the vice chairmanship would pay five hundred thousand naira . However, he added that persons with disabilities would be given the forms free of charge, in line with the commission's commitment to inclusiveness.

 

Dr. Duwe urged political parties to begin internal preparations and field candidates who are competent and committed to serving the people.

 

In his remarks, the State Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Mr. Tafarki Auta, commended the TSIEC chairman for his unwavering transparency and consistency in the management of previous elections. He called on all political parties in the state to participate actively in the forthcoming local council polls.

 

Similarly, the Chairman of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Taraba, Dr. Joseph Gimba, urged TSIEC to fully involve civil society groups in voter education, awareness campaigns, and election monitoring. He emphasized the critical role of CSOs in safeguarding electoral integrity and called on political parties to make politics a platform for public service rather than personal gain.

 

Also speaking, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abubakar Elsudi, stressed the need for fairness and inclusiveness in the electoral process. He called on TSIEC to provide a level playing field for all political parties and urged party leaders to respect the will of the electorate by allowing free and fair contests.

 

"Our democracy can only thrive when the people are allowed to choose their leaders without interference," Elsudi stated.

 

The stakeholders' meeting, which marks the official beginning of the 2025 local government election cycle in Taraba State, was described by observers as a positive step towards fostering transparency and inclusivity in local governance.

 

With preparations underway, attention now shifts to the political parties as they commence internal processes to nominate candidates and engage with the electorate ahead of the November polls.