Conduct Proper Elections INEC Tells SIECs
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) established the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the State Independent Electoral Commissions, SIECs, as two distinct and independent bodies with powers to organise, undertake and supervise elections.
While SIECs are responsible for the conduct of Local Government elections for Chairmen and Councillors, INEC, conducts all other executive and legislative polls from presidential and governorship to national and State legislative elections.
In a bid to ensure the conduct of Local Government elections which is fundamental to the proper functioning of democracy, the Executive members of the forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions, FOSIECON, came calling on INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, in Abuja to brainstorm on how to change the narrative.
Welcoming the delegation led by its Chairman, Barrister Chibundu Eze, Professor Yakubu, said several initiatives were proposed and undertaken in the firm belief that by working together, the 36 SIECs will leverage on the experience of INEC for a progressive improvement in the conduct of Local Government elections in Nigeria.
He lamented that the conduct of Local Government elections in virtually all the States of the Federation has become mere coronation of candidates of the ruling parties hence it is time to stop the coronations and conduct proper elections.
The INEC boss disclosed that INEC encouraged the establishment of FOSIECON in a genuine effort to foster partnership for credible elections in Nigeria and expressed hope that the elections conducted by INEC in the FCT will provide a model for Local Government elections across the country.
In his speech, the Chairman of FOSIECON, Barrister Eze, while acknowledging the innovations brought into the Nigeria electoral system and concerted efforts by the INEC to deliver on its mandate, said there is a dire need to develop a new strategic work plan for support to SIECs as the last plan was for the period of 2019-2023.
He, however, stressed that the existing MOU between the forum and INEC needs urgent review to make it more functional and effective in the face of changing electoral needs, challenges and expectations.