The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed its preparedness to manage local government elections if it is granted the responsibility.
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman, made this declaration on Thursday, July 25, during a joint session with the Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters. The meeting focused on preparations for the forthcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.
Prof. Yakubu emphasized that INEC is equipped to handle local government elections, but this would require a legal amendment to authorize the Commission for such duties.
He cited INEC’s successful administration of area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as evidence of its capability. The Commission has managed these elections effectively, ensuring regular and stable tenures without the issues typically associated with local government elections, such as caretaker committees. Moreover, no single political party has dominated all available seats in the FCT elections.
Prof. Yakubu argued that INEC’s oversight of local government elections would enhance democratic processes, but noted that this would necessitate a constitutional amendment to shift the responsibility from state electoral commissions to INEC.
