Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its commitment to partnering with the State Independent Electoral Commissions(SIECs) to conduct credible local government elections.
INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made this commitment when the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON) visited the commission at its headquarters in Abuja yesterday.
Yakubu urged the SIECs to adhere to the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 pertaining to local government elections, saying their role is significant to credible elections in Nigeria, as local government polls are the foundation for democracy and development.
“The best cooperation that can exist between INEC and the State Independent Electoral Commissions is for the State Electoral Commissions to continue to strive to conduct local government elections in the manner that INEC has done so in the Federal Capital Territory.
“As you know, the FCT is the only part of the country where there has never been a caretaker committee in the six area councils. Elections have been conducted regularly, initially for a period of three years, but with the amendment to the electoral act, the tenure has been streamlined to four years, just like the executive and legislative elections conducted by INEC.
“There has never been a caretaker committee in the Federal Capital Territory. The elections are held regularly, and no one party has ever won all the elections in the FCT. In addition, we have functional offices in all six area councils in the FCT.
“I want to assure you that INEC will continue to work in partnership with the State Electoral Commissions. What you do or do not do often negatively impacts INEC. Many people think that the state electoral commissions are actually the state INEC.
“Be assured that we will continue to do whatever we can to support the conduct of credible elections at the basic and most important level, which is the local government system,” he noted.
Earlier, the national chairman of FOSIECON, Hon Mamman Nda Eri, called on INEC to support the state electoral bodies through technical assistance, capacity building and knowledge sharing to enhance the conduct of local government polls.
“We are here today to formally introduce the newly inaugurated National Executive Committee of FOSIECON, which I have the honour and responsibility to lead. Our executive team includes distinguished colleagues drawn from various states who share a collective commitment to strengthening electoral governance in Nigeria.
“The new leadership of FOSIECON is focused on deepening electoral integrity, promoting transparency, and enhancing synergy with INEC. We believe that a more coordinated and collaborative relationship between INEC and the SIECs is essential for the consolidation of democracy, particularly at the grassroots level.
“Our commitment is grounded in the belief that credible local government elections are fundamental to democratic development, and that SIECS, with proper support and alignment, can deliver electoral processes that meet national and international standards.
“We are confident that with INEC’s guidance and partnership, the SIECS can play a stronger role in deepening democratic values and participation at the sub-national level.
