Two weeks after the Supreme Court granted financial autonomy to local governments (LGs) in Nigeria, Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has declared the commission’s readiness to conduct LG elections if mandated by law.
Speaking before a Joint National Assembly Committee on Electoral Matters, where he presented the budget for the Ondo and Edo off-cycle elections, Yakubu stated, “INEC is capable of successfully conducting LG elections.” He emphasized the commission’s proven ability to manage elections in the Federal Capital Territory’s 62 wards, national, and state elections, asserting that with legislative amendments, they can extend this capability to all 774 local government areas.
Yakubu also highlighted the issue of funding for by-elections, mentioning that while the commission currently conducts elections in state domains, these are often dominated by ruling parties, a situation opposed by opposition parties. He noted that the executive has pledged to release funds for seven upcoming by-elections, alleviating immediate financial concerns.
Addressing the September 21, 2024, Edo governorship poll and the November 16, 2024, Ondo governorship election, Yakubu urged Nigerians to recognize the commission’s technological advancements. “We have learned from the malfunctions experienced during the 2023 presidential election,” he stated, referring to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.
Yakubu also called on lawmakers to expedite the passage of the Electoral Offenders Bill, which would empower INEC to arrest and investigate electoral offences more effectively. “Passing this bill will provide the commission with the necessary resources to mitigate electoral malfeasance,” he added.
