The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has emphasized the need for greater transparency and integrity in local government elections across Nigeria during a courtesy visit by the newly inaugurated members of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON).
The FOSIECON delegation, led by its national chairman and chairman of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, visited the INEC headquarters in Abuja to discuss collaborative efforts in improving electoral processes at the local government level.
Professor Yakubu highlighted that both INEC and State Electoral Commissions are constitutional bodies with shared responsibilities for ensuring credible elections. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the Electoral Act 2022, particularly sections 98–113 and Section 151, which provide guidelines for conducting local government elections.
"The problem is not whether elections are held, but how they are conducted. We must work to improve transparency and integrity at the local level to match the standard INEC has maintained in the FCT, where elections are held regularly and no caretaker committees have ever been appointed," Yakubu stated.
The INEC chairman expressed concerns about the quality and credibility of local government elections in many states, suggesting that improvements are necessary to build public trust in the electoral system at the grassroots level.
In his address, FOSIECON Chairman Mamman Eri outlined key areas where the body seeks INEC's support, including technical assistance, capacity building, and knowledge sharing. He emphasized that credible local government elections are fundamental to democratic development in Nigeria.
"Our commitment is grounded in the belief that credible local government elections are fundamental to democratic development, and that SIECs, with proper support and alignment, can deliver electoral processes that meet national and international standards," Eri said.
The FOSIECON delegation specifically requested INEC's collaboration in deploying appropriate technology and systems to improve local government elections, enhancing the professionalism of SIEC officials through joint training programs, and fostering platforms for exchanging best practices in electoral management.
Other members of the FOSIECON delegation included Elder Aniedi A. Ikoiwak, Hon. Barr. Genevieve Osakwe, Hon. Ahmed Makama, Hon. Lawal Alhassan Faskari, and Hon. Justice Cornelius Akintayo (retd).
The meeting underscores growing concerns about the integrity of local government elections in Nigeria, which have often been criticized for lacking the transparency and competitiveness seen in national elections conducted by INEC.
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