The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has voiced strong opposition to the Senate’s proposal for the establishment of a Local Government Electoral Commission (LGEC). Instead, IPAC is advocating for constitutional amendments that would eliminate the State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) from overseeing local government elections and empower the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct these elections nationwide.
During a press conference held on Tuesday at INEC headquarters in Abuja, Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantelle, the Chairman of IPAC, expressed his concerns regarding the Senate’s initiative, labeling it as counterproductive. He emphasized the need for a level playing field to ensure free, fair, and credible local government elections.
Dantelle commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Supreme Court for their significant ruling on local government autonomy, urging collective efforts to solidify the political independence of this critical tier of government. He called on the National Assembly to courageously pass the electoral amendment that would enhance the credibility of grassroots governance and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
He proposed that the National Assembly consider a constitutional waiver allowing INEC to conduct local government elections, rather than establishing a new commission as suggested by the Senate. Dantelle argued that creating another State Independent Electoral Commission would lead to unnecessary expenditures of public funds, mirroring past inefficiencies.
In an earlier interaction with the House of Representatives, INEC had affirmed its capability to conduct credible local government elections, similar to its successful management of elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Dantelle assured the citizens of Edo and Ondo states, as well as all Nigerians, that IPAC remains committed to upholding free, fair, and credible elections. He noted that such integrity in the electoral process would minimize legal disputes and promote good governance.
Furthermore, IPAC is prioritizing voter education initiatives ahead of the upcoming elections in Edo and Ondo, ensuring that voters are well-informed and able to exercise their rights effectively.
