LASIEC has a lot to learn from INEC in Lagos State about the need for continuous engagement, communication, and transparency
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has been criticized by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), the group which represents all 19 of Nigeria’s registered political parties, for its consistent lack of transparency and poor communication in the run-up to the forthcoming Local Government elections.
The Council has voiced serious concerns about the way LASIEC has been managing its relationships with political stakeholders, particularly since the appointment of Hon. Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile as Chair in January.
This is according to a statement signed by Temilola Akinade, the Lagos IPAC Chairman, and George Ashiru, the Public Relations Officer.
“Critical questions and issues remain unresolved as regards the appropriate interpretation of the Supreme Court’s pronouncements on LG autonomy and how that will impact the 37 LCDAs established by the state government.
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“IPAC only recently learned that a revised LASIEC law empowering the agency to conduct executive elections into 57 LG/LCDAs was approved on January 9 and signed into law on January 10 by the governor.
“This took IPAC by surprise. Such critical legislation should be in the public domain. The information was not made public on any platform and copies of the new law are yet to be made available to IPAC for distribution to political parties.
“LASIEC has a lot to learn from INEC in Lagos State about the need for continuous engagement, communication, and transparency in order to have a smooth, free and fair election.
“The current approach of delayed guidelines and minimal interaction with political parties will only fuel suspicion and discontent.”
“This will make political parties and their members misinterpret the actions of LASIEC as driving in the direction of a predetermined outcome.”