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Senate Advances Bill to Establish Independent Local Government Electoral Commission

A bill proposing the creation of the National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission (NILGEC) has successfully passed its first reading in the Senate. The commission will be tasked with conducting elections for the 774 local governments across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The bill, titled “Local Government Independent Electoral Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB. 531),” was introduced by Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), the Chairman of the Committee on Finance. For the establishment of NILGEC, a constitutional amendment will be required.

According to the bill, NILGEC will comprise a Chairperson and six commissioners, all appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. These officials will serve five-year terms, which can be renewed once. The commission is intended to operate independently, free from external influence, with its budget approved by the National Assembly to ensure financial autonomy.

The move to establish NILGEC comes shortly after the Supreme Court ruled that state governors could no longer retain or utilize funds allocated to local governments, declaring such actions illegal and unconstitutional.

The bill outlines NILGEC’s key responsibilities, which include:

  • Conducting free, fair, and transparent elections for local government chairpersons and councillors.
  • Maintaining an accurate and up-to-date voter register.
  • Ensuring voter education and public awareness regarding the electoral process.
  • Setting and enforcing electoral guidelines and regulations.
  • Recruiting and training electoral officers and staff.
  • Monitoring and supervising all electoral activities.
  • Investigating and adjudicating electoral disputes and grievances.

Regarding the electoral process, NILGEC will:

  • Develop and implement procedures for voter registration, candidate nomination, and the conduct of elections.
  • Ensure the provision of necessary electoral materials and logistics.
  • Announce the election schedule at least six months prior to the election date, with elections for local government offices held every four years.
  • Define and enforce penalties for electoral offenses, including voter fraud, ballot stuffing, and electoral violence, with offenders prosecuted in accordance with national laws.

The bill also emphasizes collaboration with relevant government agencies, security forces, and civil society organizations to ensure a secure and credible electoral process. Upon NILGEC’s establishment, all powers related to local government elections currently held by other bodies will be transferred to NILGEC.

This bill will become effective upon its passage by the National Assembly and the President’s assent.

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