Senate Vows To Create Electoral Commission For Local Governments, Insists On Full LG Autonomy
Senate Seeks To Create Electoral Commission For Local Governments
A bill proposing the establishment of the National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission (NILGEC) has passed its first reading in the Nigerian Senate.
NILGEC’s primary responsibility would be conducting elections for local government positions across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The commission would consist of a chairperson and six commissioners, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, serving a five-year term renewable once.
NILGEC would operate independently, with its own budget approved by the National Assembly, to ensure financial autonomy. The commission’s functions would include conducting free and fair elections, maintaining an accurate voter register, voter education, setting electoral guidelines, and investigating electoral disputes.
The bill stipulates that NILGEC shall announce election schedules at least six months prior and conduct elections every four years.
It also defines electoral offenses and penalties, collaborating with relevant agencies for a secure electoral process. Upon NILGEC’s establishment, all powers related to local government elections would be transferred to the commission.
The bill’s passage and presidential assent would bring it into effect.
