JUST IN: INEC Capable of Conducting LG Elections, Says Chairman Yakubu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed its readiness to oversee local government elections if the legal framework permits. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made this declaration during his appearance before the joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters, discussing preparations for the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.

Prof. Yakubu asserted that INEC possesses the capacity to efficiently manage local government elections, contingent upon amendments to the current legislation. He highlighted that INEC has successfully conducted area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which have been free from the typical challenges faced in local government elections across states.

He outlined several advantages of INEC taking charge of these elections, including the assurance of regular elections as scheduled, stability in office tenure, and the elimination of caretaker committees in the FCT. Additionally, he noted that no single political party has ever dominated all seats in FCT elections, contrasting with the trend observed in state elections.

Prof. Yakubu emphasized that entrusting INEC with local government elections would enhance democratic processes, but underscored that this transition hinges on constitutional amendments to transfer the responsibility from state electoral commissions to INEC.

Details shortly