The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has clarified that the commission lacks the constitutional authority to conduct local government elections, except in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Yakubu made this statement during a two-day induction retreat for INEC Resident Electoral Commissioners in Lagos.
Yakubu emphasized that the Constitution establishes both INEC and State Independent Electoral Commissions, and INEC cannot assume the duties of the latter. He noted that unless constitutional amendments are made, INEC will only continue to organize national and state elections.
The INEC Chairman acknowledged the advocacy for the commission to take charge of local government elections but stressed that constitutional changes are necessary for this to happen. Currently, INEC only conducts local government elections in the FCT, where it has successfully organized regular elections.
Some Nigerians are advocating for the dissolution of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) in the ongoing constitutional amendment, allowing INEC to take charge of local government elections. Proponents believe this would prevent state governors from hijacking local council allocations due to irregularities in the conduct of LG polls.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has also called for the scrapping of SIECs, suggesting that their functions be transferred to INEC to ensure independence and transparency in local government elections.
The INEC Chairman emphasized the importance of training and equipping new RECs with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively handle upcoming polls, including the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states.