Senate Moves to Establish Independent Electoral Body for Local Government Elections

The Senate has introduced a new bill seeking to create an independent electoral commission responsible for conducting local government council elections. The bill, titled "Local Government Independent Electoral Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB. 531)", was sponsored by Senator Sani Musa, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance.

The proposed legislation aims to establish the National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission (NILGEC) as an autonomous body responsible for organizing, overseeing, and conducting elections for local government chairman and councillor positions.

NILGEC's functions and powers include:

- Conducting free, fair, and transparent elections

- Preparing and maintaining an accurate voter register

- Ensuring voter education and public awareness

- Setting and enforcing electoral guidelines and regulations

- Recruiting and training electoral officers and staff

- Monitoring and supervising electoral activities and processes

- Investigating and adjudicating electoral disputes and grievances

The commission will consist of a chairperson and six commissioners, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, serving a renewable five-year term. NILGEC will operate independently, with its own budget approved by the National Assembly, ensuring financial independence.

The bill outlines procedures for voter registration, candidate nomination, and election conduct, including the provision of electoral materials and logistics. It also defines penalties for electoral offenses, such as voter fraud and electoral violence, and mandates collaboration with relevant agencies and organizations to ensure a secure and credible electoral process.

If established, NILGEC will assume all powers and functions related to local government elections previously vested in other bodies or authorities.