INEC to Take Over Local Government Elections

 Nigeria's House of Representatives has taken the first step to strip State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) of the power to conduct local government elections. A bill, sponsored by Ikenga Ugochinyere and 24 others, passed its first reading last Thursday, aiming to amend the Electoral Act 2022 and vest the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with the power to conduct Local Government Council Elections.

The proposed amendment seeks to delete Section 98 (1) of the Electoral Act and replace it with a new sub-section, granting INEC sole responsibility for conducting local government elections. This move is backed by prominent groups and individuals, citing state governors' influence and control over local governments .

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has expressed the commission's readiness to take over local government elections once the National Assembly amends the relevant laws. Yakubu emphasized INEC's capability to handle the additional responsibility, pointing out that the commission already oversees gubernatorial, state Assembly, and Area Councils elections in the Federal Capital Territory .

*Key Reasons for the Amendment:*

- _Reducing State Governors' Influence_: To minimize the control of state governors over local governments.

- _Enhancing Electoral Credibility_: To ensure free, fair, and credible elections that reflect the people's will.

- _Streamlining Electoral Processes_: To clarify the procedure for constitutional alteration and promote women's representation in elective and appointive positions.

The House of Representatives plans to prioritize security, economy, and electoral reforms in 2024, including a National Legislative Security Summit.