The House of Representatives has initiated steps to transfer the authority for conducting local government elections from State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). A bill to this effect, titled “A Bill for an Act to amend the Electoral Act, 2022,” passed its first reading last Thursday.
Sponsored by Ikenga Ugochinyere, the representative for Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency in Imo State, along with 24 co-sponsors, the bill proposes the deletion of Section 98 (1) of the current Electoral Act. This section outlines the role of SIECs in overseeing local government elections.
The new sub-section, known as the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2024, states that the conduct of elections for local government officials, including Chairmen and Vice Chairmen, will be the sole responsibility of INEC. The explanatory memorandum emphasizes the need for INEC to manage local government elections to mitigate the influence of state governors over local governance.
Prominent groups and public figures, including lawmakers, have advocated for this shift, citing concerns about the autonomy of local governments under state control.
INEC has expressed its preparedness to oversee local government elections, contingent on the National Assembly amending the relevant laws.
During a recent appearance before a joint committee of the Senate and House on Electoral Matters, INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu confirmed that the commission is equipped to handle local government elections. He highlighted that while INEC currently manages national and state elections, it also conducts local government elections in the Federal Capital Territory.
Yakubu stated, “If the responsibility for the conduct of local government elections is transferred to INEC, can INEC cope with it? The answer is yes! INEC can cope. What are we? By definition, INEC is the Independent National Electoral Commission.Broadly speaking, if you ask us if we can handle local government elections, yes, we can.
The bill’s advancement reflects a growing push to enhance the integrity and independence of local government elections in Nigeria.
