ABUJA, NIGERIA – Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions (FOSIECON) of its continued cooperation, extending beyond technical assistance, capacity building, and knowledge sharing. This pledge was made during a meeting between INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu and FOSIECON executives at INEC Headquarters in Abuja.
Professor Yakubu emphasised the critical importance of adhering to the Electoral Act 2022, particularly sections 98 to 113, which outline procedures for Area Council Elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and local government elections nationwide. He highlighted INEC’s ongoing role in providing essential support to State Electoral Commissions (SIECs), including making available the current register of voters, creating and allotting voters to polling units, and providing the list of political parties for local government elections. He affirmed that INEC has consistently discharged these responsibilities promptly and would continue to do so.
The INEC Chairman also stressed the significance of local government elections in Nigeria’s democratic development, citing the FCT as a model for regularly conducted elections without caretaker committees. He expressed hope for discussions on improving the quality of local government elections through stronger partnership between INEC and SIECs.
Professor Yakubu drew attention to a recent Supreme Court judgment underscoring the necessity for SIECs to issue mandatory statutory notices well in advance of elections. He criticised a recent announcement by an unnamed state electoral commission that provided only 21 days’ notice, deeming it a violation of the law and impractical for conducting credible elections. He urged FOSIECON to convey the importance of complying with statutory timelines to its members to ensure credible and transparent local government elections across the country.
Earlier, Mamman Nda Eri, FOSIECON’s National Chairman and also the Chairman of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission, affirmed FOSIECON’s commitment to promoting electoral integrity, transparency, and closer synergy with INEC. He highlighted the need for technical assistance, capacity building, and knowledge sharing to improve the conduct of local government elections. Mr. Eri also appealed for greater financial autonomy for SIECs, citing the financial constraints faced by many states in conducting elections. He emphasised that INEC’s support and guidance would enable SIECs to play a stronger role in deepening democratic values and participation at the subnational level.
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