By Jummai Ishaku, Jalingo
TSIEC Chairman | Nov. 9, 2025
The Chairman of the Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission (TSIEC), Dr. Philip Duwe, has justified the decision of the commission not to impose restrictions on movement during the just-concluded local government elections in the state.
Dr. Duwe said the policy was in line with global democratic standards and aimed at encouraging greater civic participation without disrupting the daily activities of citizens.
Speaking during a post-election media briefing in Jalingo, the TSIEC boss explained that the decision was reached after wide consultations with security agencies and relevant authorities.
“When we are doing things, we need to have the global mirror. We are yearning to perfect democracy. In developed economies, there is never a restriction, except where the lives and property of citizens are threatened,” Duwe said.
He stated that the local government polls were conducted peacefully across the state without any recorded case of violence or security breach.
“We did it in the last election and there was no problem. The security agencies approved it. We conducted this one now and there was no iota of threat, no fight, no violence,” he said.
Duwe argued that imposing a total restriction of movement during elections was counterproductive, especially in a developing society where many people depend on daily income for survival.
“Why should you stop someone who makes his living from welding? Why shut down a market woman who should go out to get something for her children?” he queried.
He noted that the policy was carefully considered and implemented after due consultations with security operatives who were fully deployed to ensure peace and order throughout the exercise.
“I consulted widely with the security and governance authorities before we accepted the decision. Law enforcement agents were on ground to ensure tranquility, and I think that is a best practice,” he stated.
According to him, credible elections go beyond casting ballots and require sound planning, understanding, and intellectual engagement.
“A number of people don’t understand this. We just sit and think about election, election. Election requires your intellectual acumen,” Duwe added.
Responding to questions from journalists on post-election assessments, the TSIEC chairman disclosed that he had earlier met with several executive chairmen and chairwomen from different states who visited Taraba to observe the conduct of the polls.
“Just this morning, I received 23 executive chairmen and chairwomen from Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Nasarawa and other states. Some are still expected to arrive by Tuesday,” he revealed.
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Duwe commended security agencies, election officials, and voters for their orderly conduct during the exercise, noting that the peaceful atmosphere was evidence of growing democratic maturity in Taraba State.
“We have been commended even by those who witnessed it. The process was peaceful, transparent, and reflective of the people’s will,” he concluded.
