….. Says exercise followed due process, faults unregistered parties for non-compliance
By Newspointer
Taraba LGA Poll | Nov. 9, 2025
The Chairman of the Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission (TSIEC), Dr. Philip Duwe, has defended the conduct of the just-concluded local government elections in the state, insisting that the exercise was carried out strictly in line with due process and the provisions of the law.
Speaking in Jalingo, Dr. Duwe said it was important for Nigerians to understand that genuine peace and progress could only be achieved when institutions operate within a clear structure and standard.
“If people are worried or disturbed about a situation, they should seek peace and advancement through proper systems,” he said. “Our problem in this country is the lack of a quality standard management structure. Everyone wakes up designing what they want to happen, forgetting that there must be an organized system everyone adheres to.”
He explained that TSIEC, by law, is empowered to plan, act, and conduct elections, stressing that there are laid-down criteria for eligibility, registration, and participation in the process.
“We have done everything within the ambit of the law and the criteria for candidates to emerge. The Commission has never skewed the process in favor of anyone. However, we are dealing with 19 political parties, and not all of them complied with the requirements,” he stated.
According to the chairman, while some political parties met the registration and eligibility standards, others failed to do so but still demanded to participate in the election.
“You cannot write an examination without registration. Our registration criteria are clear. Some parties failed to register; therefore, they could not participate. Out of the 19 parties, only four completed their registration,” he explained.
Dr. Duwe revealed that the Taraba State House of Assembly approved the generation of ₦50 million for the sale of forms, out of which the Commission realized ₦47.5 million for the 2025 fiscal year.
“Registration is individual, not collective. Some parties submitted bulk lists of names, but we screen individuals. Each candidate must swear an affidavit, sign their forms, and be cleared by relevant agencies,” he said.
He added that all candidates who participated in the polls were duly screened by the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to ensure credibility and integrity.
“The screening was meant to legitimize the process and ensure that only credible candidates emerged. If someone has a criminal record, the system must detect it,” he said.
The electoral boss lamented that some parties refused to follow due process, citing internal disagreements and legal disputes that were later dismissed by the court.
“Some parties went to court, including the APC and another party that refused to procure forms. Their cases were dismissed two days to the election. Yet, they collected money from their candidates internally but refused to remit to government,” he disclosed.
Dr. Duwe emphasized that election management requires a high level of intellect and professionalism, stressing that the Commission had maintained transparency throughout the process.
“Politics is not a joke. Election management requires intellect and discipline. I was trained by the European Union in election management, aside from being a medical doctor. So, I understand what I’m doing,” he stated.
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He maintained that no candidate or political party would be allowed to undermine laid-down procedures, noting that disobedience to lawful criteria contradicts the principles of good governance.
“You cannot want to become a councillor or chairman and refuse to register. That is disobedience to governance structure. We must have order if we are to grow as a democracy,” he concluded.
