The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has called for greater transparency and integrity in the conduct of local government elections across Nigeria.
Yakubu made this call on Tuesday while receiving members of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON), who paid a courtesy visit to INEC’s headquarters in Abuja. The FOSIECON delegation was led by Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, Chairman of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission.
Yakubu said that although both INEC and State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) are constitutionally recognised, the credibility of local elections conducted by SIECs in many states remains a concern.
“The problem is not whether elections are held, but how they are conducted. We must improve transparency and integrity at the local level to match the standard we have set in the FCT, where elections are held regularly and caretaker committees have never been appointed,” he said.
He urged SIECs to strictly follow the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, especially Sections 98 to 113 and Section 151, which deal with the conduct of local government elections.
Yakubu reaffirmed INEC’s readiness to support SIECs through collaboration, technical assistance, and knowledge-sharing, to improve the quality of elections at the grassroots.
Earlier, FOSIECON Chairman Hon. Mamman Eri requested INEC’s continued support in areas such as capacity building, deployment of technology, joint training programmes, and sharing of best practices to boost the professionalism of electoral officials.
“Credible local government elections are fundamental to democratic development. With INEC’s support, SIECs can deliver processes that reflect national expectations and meet international standards,” Eri said.
The FOSIECON delegation included members from various states, including Elder Aniedi A. Ikoiwak, Hon. Barr. Genevieve Osakwe, Hon. Ahmed Makama, Hon. Lawal Alhassan Faskari, and Hon. Justice Cornelius Akintayo (retd).
Local government elections in many Nigerian states have long faced criticism over lack of transparency, poor voter turnout, and allegations of manipulation. Stakeholders hope this renewed partnership will bring about positive reforms.
