The House of Representatives has begun moves to revoke the authority of State Independent Electoral Commissions to conduct local government elections.
Last Thursday, a bill proposing this change passed its first reading on the House floor.
The bill, 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,” aims to transfer election oversight to INEC.
Sponsored by Ikenga Ugochinyere, who represents Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency, Imo State, along with 24 other lawmakers, the bill seeks to remove Section 98(1) of the Electoral Act and replace it with a new provision.
Section 98 (1), Part VI (Procedure for Election to Area Council) of the Electoral Act currently states: “The conduct of elections into the offices of Chairman, Vice Chairman, and a member of an Area Council and the recall of a member of an Area Council shall be under the direction and supervision of the commission (INEC) in accordance with the provisions of this Act.”
The new sub-section, cited as the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2024, reads: “The conduct of elections into the offices of Chairman, Vice Chairman, and a member of an Area Council and the recall of a member of an Area Council shall be conducted solely by the commission in accordance with the provisions of this Act.”
According to the explanatory memorandum, the bill “seeks to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to vest the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with the power to conduct Local Government Area Council elections for all the Local Government Areas across the country.”
Prominent organizations and distinguished Nigerians, including federal lawmakers, have actively called for INEC to take charge of council elections, highlighting the significant influence and control that state governors have over local governments.
INEC has repeatedly expressed its willingness to take on the responsibility of conducting local government elections, provided that the National Assembly amends the relevant laws governing the country’s electoral processes.
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