INEC Urges SIECs to Uphold Electoral Law in LG Elections

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) to adhere strictly to the provisions of the Electoral Act in conducting local government elections across the country.



INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, issued the advice on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving members of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON) on a courtesy visit.


INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu

He emphasized the importance of aligning local elections with legal standards, particularly referencing Sections 98 to 113 and Section 151 of the Electoral Act 2022, which govern the conduct of such elections.



Yakubu expressed concern over the common disregard for legal timelines, pointing to a recent instance where a state issued only a 21-day notice for a local election. He described this action as both unlawful and impractical, citing it as a clear violation of the Electoral Act and Supreme Court judgments.



“How can you hold credible elections within 21 days—including time for political party primaries, campaigns, public education, recruitment and training of election officials, and logistical arrangements?” Yakubu asked. “Such short notice undermines the credibility and effectiveness of the entire electoral process.”



He highlighted the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as a model for consistency in local elections, noting that INEC usually releases the timetable for FCT Area Council elections more than 360 days in advance to ensure full legal compliance and adequate preparation.



Reaffirming INEC’s commitment to supporting SIECs, Yakubu stated that the national electoral body would continue to provide technical assistance, training opportunities, and access to vital resources such as the voter register, polling unit directories, and political party lists. “No SIEC has ever been denied support,” he affirmed. “We have always fulfilled our obligations in this regard and will keep doing so.”



Professor Yakubu also acknowledged that the challenges faced by SIECs go beyond funding, stressing that clearly defined procedures and proper planning are essential for successful elections. He encouraged the state commissions to emulate INEC’s transparent and methodical approach in their own operations.


“Your role is essential to deepening democracy and ensuring credible elections, particularly at the grassroots level,” Yakubu concluded.



In response, the FOSIECON Chairman, Mamman Eri, who also chairs the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission, said the purpose of the visit was to strengthen the partnership between INEC and SIECs. He noted that the forum’s new leadership is committed to principles of transparency, credibility, and close collaboration with the national electoral body.



Eri stressed the importance of credible elections at the local level as a foundation for democratic development in Nigeria. He expressed optimism that with adequate support, SIECs could conduct elections that meet both domestic expectations and international standards.



He also called on INEC to support SIECs in adopting technology, improving systems, and sharing expertise to enhance the management and credibility of local elections. He further requested INEC’s guidance on the recent Supreme Court decision that invalidated local government elections in Rivers State, which he said touched on key legal interpretations.



“While state laws generally govern local elections, the judgment acknowledged INEC’s procedures and referenced a 360-day notice period, as opposed to the 90-day window many of us currently operate under,” Eri said. He questioned how state laws could be harmonized with INEC’s guidelines and the provisions of the National Assembly in light of this legal precedent.



Eri acknowledged the persistent financial constraints facing most SIECs, pointing out that they often lack fiscal autonomy and must depend on state executives for funding. This reliance, he argued, undermines the commissions’ independence and capacity to conduct credible elections.


He therefore appealed to INEC to champion the cause for financial independence for SIECs, believing that such autonomy would lead to stronger institutions and more trustworthy electoral processes.



Describing the visit as fruitful and affirming, Eri reiterated FOSIECON’s dedication to working with INEC to promote free, fair, and credible elections throughout Nigeria.

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