The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has affirmed its readiness to conduct local government elections across Nigeria.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made this statement during a session with the joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters, discussing preparations for the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.
Prof. Yakubu emphasized that INEC possesses the capacity to manage local government elections, contingent on the necessary legal amendments allowing the Commission to undertake this responsibility.
He pointed out that INEC’s successful management of area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, demonstrates its capability, highlighting the absence of challenges commonly associated with local government elections.
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He outlined the benefits of INEC conducting these elections, noting the regularity of elections, stability of tenure, and the absence of caretaker committees in the FCT. Prof. Yakubu also mentioned that no single political party has ever won all the seats in FCT elections, contrasting with the situation in many states.
This announcement follows the recent Supreme Court ruling affirming the financial autonomy of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
The decision has been widely praised and is expected to rejuvenate local councils, which have long been mired in controversy. Historically, state governors have often controlled local governments, appointing caretakers and administrators without elections to manage local council affairs.
INEC’s readiness to conduct local government elections, pending legal amendments, signals a potential shift towards greater electoral integrity and autonomy at the local government level in Nigeria.