The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confidently stated that it is capable of conducting local government elections if the responsibility is entrusted to it. This assertion was made by INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, during his appearance before the joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on INEC and Electoral Matters.
The meeting was convened to discuss preparations for the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, scheduled to take place soon. However, the conversation shifted to the topic of local government elections, which has been a contentious issue in Nigeria.
Professor Yakubu emphasized that INEC has the capacity and expertise to handle local government elections, but noted that a constitutional amendment would be required to transfer the responsibility from the states to the federal electoral body.
He cited the example of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where INEC has successfully conducted area council elections without the challenges commonly associated with local government elections in the states. Yakubu highlighted that, unlike state-level elections, the FCT elections have always seen a mix of winners from different political parties, rather than a sweep by a single party.
This statement underscores INEC’s readiness to take on the responsibility of conducting local government elections, pending the necessary constitutional changes. The Commission’s ability to conduct free and fair elections at the local level could potentially strengthen democratic processes and ensure greater representation for citizens at the grassroots.
