Yakubu: Credibility of LG polls hurts INEC’s image
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has expressed concern over the conduct of local government elections by State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), saying their credibility continues to reflect on INEC’s public image. Yakubu, who spoke during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Forum of State Independent Electoral […]
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has expressed concern over the conduct of local government elections by State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), saying their credibility continues to reflect on INEC’s public image.
Yakubu, who spoke during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON) in Abuja on Tuesday, said although INEC has no constitutional mandate to conduct local government elections in the states, the public often blames the national commission for the failures of SIECs.
“What you do or don’t do often negatively impacts INEC. Because there are so many people who think that the state electoral commissions are actually state INEC, sometimes including some of the candidates that contest in local government elections. That is how much our identities are confused,” he said.
The INEC chairman emphasised that while both commissions are constitutionally recognised, SIECs must step up the credibility of their elections to avoid damaging the integrity of the country’s electoral process.
He added that the poor quality of local government elections undermines democratic development and called on SIECs to comply fully with electoral laws.
The INEC Chairman also warned against the practice of giving short notice before elections, citing a recent instance where a SIEC gave only 21 days’ notice, contrary to the Electoral Act and a Supreme Court ruling.
“How can political parties conduct primaries, nominate candidates, and campaign while the electoral commission prepares logistics, training, and security within 21 days? It is practically impossible,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of FOSIECON and head of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, had called for enhanced collaboration with INEC.
“We are confident that with INEC’s guidance and partnership, the SIECS can play a stronger role in deepening democratic values and participation at the subnational level,” he said.