Reps push to transfer LG elections from SIECs to INEC

 

The House of Representatives has initiated steps to remove the power of conducting local government elections from State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) and transfer it to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

A bill aimed at achieving this passed its first reading in the House last Thursday. Titled A Bill for an Act to amend the Electoral Act, 2022 to vest INEC with the power to conduct Local Government Council Elections and for Related Matters, it is sponsored by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State, alongside 24 other lawmakers.

The proposed bill seeks to amend Section 98 (1) of the Electoral Act, which currently gives SIECs the authority to oversee local government elections. Under the amendment, the responsibility would be transferred to INEC, which already conducts national and state elections.

The explanatory memorandum of the bill highlights its purpose, stating that it intends to allow INEC to conduct local government elections across all Local Government Areas in Nigeria, ensuring consistency and independence in the electoral process.

There has been increasing support for INEC to take over local government elections, with several prominent groups and public figures arguing that state governors have too much influence over local elections. INEC itself has expressed its readiness to take on this role, provided the National Assembly amends the law.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, recently addressed this issue during a joint Senate and House committee meeting on Electoral Matters in July 2024. He explained that although INEC currently handles only national and state elections, the commission is capable of conducting local government elections if given the mandate.

Yakubu noted, "The same Constitution that created INEC also created the State’s Electoral Commissions. It is up to the National Assembly to amend the law to transfer that responsibility to INEC. If it is transferred, INEC can manage it effectively."

The bill, if passed, could pave the way for more transparent and standardized local government elections across Nigeria.