Nigeria’s electoral body the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured that it is fully capable of conducting local government elections if tasked with the responsibility.
The commission’s chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu declared this on Thursday, July 25, when he appeared before the joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on preparations for the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.
He said INEC can handle the local government elections but that would only be possible when the law is amended to permit it.
He pointed out that the Commission had been conducting area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory which has been devoid of the problems associated with the conduct of local government elections.
He pointed out some advantages of INEC handling elections. These include regular elections as when due and stability of tenure. He noted that there has never been a caretaker committee in the FCT.
Also, he noted that there has never been a time one political party has won all the seats at the FCT elections as is common in the states.
He said if INEC conducts the LG election, it would be better for democracy.
He, however, said this can only happen if the constitution is amended to take the responsibility from state electoral commissions.
