Two weeks after the Supreme Court granted financial autonomy to local governments (LGs) in Nigeria, significant developments have emerged in the political landscape. The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, has confidently declared that INEC is fully capable of conducting local government elections, provided it is mandated by law.
Yakubu made this assertion while addressing a Joint National Assembly Committee on Electoral Matters. He was presenting the budget for the upcoming Ondo and Edo off-cycle elections, scheduled for later this year. During his presentation, he highlighted INEC’s preparedness and the commission’s ability to manage local government elections efficiently.
Currently, state governments organize LG elections in their respective domains. This system has often resulted in the ruling parties sweeping the chairmanship seats of all local councils, a situation that opposition parties have repeatedly criticized. Yakubu argued that if INEC were given the responsibility, it could ensure a more transparent and impartial electoral process.
Yakubu emphasized INEC’s successful track record, pointing out that the commission already conducts elections in the 62 wards of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area councils, in addition to overseeing national and state elections. “INEC can conveniently conduct elections across the 774 local government areas with certain amendments to the electoral laws,” he stated.
One of the key issues Yakubu raised was funding for by-elections in the country. While the commission is prepared for the logistical aspects of organizing local government elections, securing adequate funding remains a challenge. He called on the government to address this issue to ensure the smooth execution of elections.
For the upcoming governorship elections in Edo on September 21, 2024, and Ondo on November 16, 2024, Yakubu urged Nigerians to recognize and appreciate the technological advancements made by the commission. He assured the public that the frequent malfunctions of the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal, which marred the 2023 presidential election, would not recur. “The commission has learnt its lessons,” he affirmed, highlighting improvements and refinements made to the system to ensure better performance in future elections.
Yakubu expressed confidence in the commission’s ability to manage the funding for off-cycle elections, stating that the executive branch has pledged to release the necessary funds for the seven by-elections that INEC is set to conduct. This commitment from the government is crucial in addressing the financial challenges associated with organizing these elections.
In his address, Yakubu also made a significant appeal to the lawmakers. He urged them to expedite the passage of the Electoral Offenders Bill under the current Assembly. This bill, once passed, would empower INEC with the capacity and resources to effectively address electoral offences. It would enable the commission to make arrests, conduct thorough investigations, and mitigate electoral malfeasance. “Passing this bill is essential for enhancing the integrity of our electoral process,” Yakubu stressed.
The push for financial autonomy for local governments and the potential shift of election responsibilities to INEC comes at a crucial time. The Supreme Court’s decision to grant financial independence to LGs is seen as a major step towards strengthening local governance and reducing the influence of state governments over local administrations. With financial autonomy, LGs can now have greater control over their resources and decision-making processes, which is expected to enhance their efficiency and responsiveness to the needs of the local populace.
The potential involvement of INEC in local government elections is also viewed as a positive development. By centralizing the electoral process under a single, independent body, there is a greater likelihood of achieving fairer and more transparent elections. This move could address the longstanding issues of electoral manipulation and ensure that local governments truly represent the will of the people.
The introduction of technological innovations in the electoral process is another area where INEC has made significant strides. The IReV portal, despite its initial setbacks, represents a major advancement in ensuring transparency and credibility in elections. By allowing real-time viewing of election results, the portal enhances public trust in the electoral process and reduces the potential for tampering and fraud. Yakubu’s assurance that the commission has learned from past experiences and made necessary improvements is a positive sign for the upcoming elections.
The call for the passage of the Electoral Offenders Bill underscores the need for a robust legal framework to address electoral crimes. Electoral offences, such as vote-buying, ballot stuffing, and intimidation, undermine the integrity of the electoral process and erode public confidence in democratic institutions. Empowering INEC to tackle these offences head-on would be a significant step towards ensuring free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria.
The recent developments in Nigeria’s political landscape, including the Supreme Court’s decision on financial autonomy for local governments and the potential involvement of INEC in conducting local government elections, hold promise for the future of the country’s democracy. With adequate funding, technological advancements, and a strong legal framework to address electoral offences, Nigeria can move towards more transparent, fair, and credible elections. Mahmood Yakubu’s confidence in INEC’s capabilities and his call for legislative support highlight the importance of collective efforts in strengthening the electoral process and enhancing democratic governance in Nigeria.
