INEC Urges SIECs to Comply with Electoral Act in Conducting Local Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) across the country to adhere strictly to the provisions of the Electoral Act when conducting local government elections.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, made the call on Tuesday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON).
Yakubu highlighted the relevance of Sections 98 to 113 and Section 151 of the Electoral Act 2022 to the conduct of local elections, stressing that these provisions must be followed nationwide.
He noted that the challenges confronting SIECs extend beyond financial constraints, emphasizing the need for clearly defined processes and procedures to ensure credible and efficient elections.
Citing a recent case where a state issued only 21 days’ notice ahead of local elections, Yakubu criticized the move as both unlawful and impractical. He explained that such short notice contravenes the law and existing Supreme Court judgments, and does not allow sufficient time for adequate election preparation.
“How can elections be effectively organized within 21 days—including party primaries, campaigns, voter education, recruitment and training of ad hoc staff, logistical planning, and security arrangements?” Yakubu questioned.
He urged SIECs to emulate INEC’s consistency and adherence to legal timelines, as demonstrated in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where the Commission issued the FCT Area Council election timetable more than 360 days in advance.
Reaffirming INEC’s commitment to supporting SIECs, Yakubu said the Commission will continue to provide technical assistance, capacity building, and timely access to critical election resources such as the voters’ register, polling unit directories, and the list of registered political parties.
“No SIEC has ever been denied support. We have always fulfilled our responsibilities and will continue to do so,” he stated, adding that the most effective form of collaboration would be for SIECs to adopt best practices as implemented by INEC in the FCT.
“Your role is crucial in ensuring credible elections at the grassroots level,” Yakubu added.
In his remarks, FOSIECON Chairman, Mamman Nda Eri—who also chairs the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission—said the visit aimed to deepen collaboration between INEC and the state electoral bodies. He reaffirmed FOSIECON’s renewed commitment to integrity, transparency, and effective synergy with INEC.
Eri emphasized that credible local elections are vital to democratic consolidation in Nigeria and that, with the right support, SIECs can deliver elections that meet both national and international standards.
He appealed to INEC for support in deploying election technologies and strengthening institutional frameworks to enhance election management. He also called for assistance in building the capacity of SIEC personnel through knowledge exchange and training programs.
Referring to the recent Supreme Court ruling that annulled the local government elections in Rivers State, Eri sought INEC’s guidance on how SIECs can align their procedures with the ruling. While most state laws prescribe a 90-day notice period, the Court’s judgment referenced a 360-day timeframe.
“This has raised important legal questions. How can state laws harmonize with the Electoral Act and INEC’s procedures in light of the Court’s interpretation?” Eri asked.
He also highlighted the issue of financial dependence, noting that most SIECs lack financial autonomy and rely heavily on state executives for funding—often shortly before elections.
Eri urged INEC to advocate for the financial independence of state electoral commissions, arguing that such autonomy would lead to improved electoral outcomes.
He concluded by reaffirming FOSIECON’s commitment to credible elections and the shared goal of strengthening democracy at all levels of government.