The House of Representatives has passed a resolution urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to relocate its offices in local government areas (LGAs) to “secure and neutral” locations.
This decision was made during Wednesday’s plenary, following a motion sponsored by Rep. Sunday Nnamchi from Enugu State.
In recent years, INEC offices have faced attacks, including incidents where electoral materials were set ablaze.
Nnamchi highlighted that many of these offices are currently located within the headquarters of area councils, which he argued compromises INEC’s independence. He stated that this proximity exposes the commission to potential manipulation by council chairmen, particularly in regions dominated by a single political party.
Nnamchi emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust and confidence in the electoral process, referencing Section 6 of the Electoral Act 2022, which underscores the need for impartiality in elections.
The motion was passed without debate and received unanimous support during a voice vote conducted by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. As a result, the House has mandated INEC to make provisions in its 2025 budget proposal for the relocation of its offices to secure areas.
Relevant committees have also been tasked with ensuring compliance and reporting back within four weeks for further legislative action.
