The Independent National Electoral Commission has urged state independent electoral commissions to strictly adhere to the Electoral Act in conducting local government elections nationwide.

INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu made this call during a courtesy visit by the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja.

He stressed the importance of Sections 98 to 113 and Section 151 of the Electoral Act 2022, which apply to local elections across the country.

Mr Yakubu said challenges faced by SIECs go beyond funding, noting that processes and procedures must be clearly defined for effective elections. He criticised a recent case where a state issued only 21 days’ notice for local elections, calling it unlawful and practically unworkable.

According to Mr Yakubu, such short notice violates the law and Supreme Court rulings, leaving insufficient time for proper election preparation. He urged SIECs to imitate INEC’s consistency in conducting local elections, as done regularly in Abuja.

He recalled that INEC released the FCT election timetable over 360 days in advance, in full compliance with legal requirements. Mr Yakubu questioned how elections could be organised within 21 days, including party primaries, campaigns, and voter education. He added it was impossible to recruit and train staff, manage logistics, and secure elections within such a short timeframe.

Mr Yakubu reaffirmed INEC’s support for SIECs through technical help, capacity building, and knowledge sharing. He said INEC would continue to provide voters’ registers, polling unit lists, and political party lists promptly.

“No SIEC has ever been denied support. We’ve always fulfilled this responsibility and will continue doing so,” Mr Yakubu said.

He said the best collaboration would be for SIECs to conduct local elections, similar to how INEC does in Abuja.

FOSIECON chairman Mamman Eri said the visit aimed to strengthen collaboration between INEC and SIECs. Mr Eri, who also chairs the Kogi State Electoral Commission, said FOSIECON’s new leadership prioritises integrity, transparency, and relations with INEC. He said a closer partnership would help consolidate democracy, particularly at the grassroots level.

Mr Eri added that credible local elections were crucial to Nigeria’s democratic development. With proper support, SIECs could deliver elections that meet both national and international standards, he said.

(NAN)