The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, has asserted that the electoral body is fully capable of conducting local government elections across Nigeria if provided with the necessary resources.
Speaking on Thursday before the National Assembly Joint Committee on INEC and Electoral Committees, Prof. Yakubu addressed the commission’s capacity and the potential unbundling of INEC.
Responding to questions from the committee regarding the Supreme Court’s verdict on financial autonomy for local governments, Yakubu acknowledged discussions about creating a new federal agency for council polls but firmly stated that INEC has the necessary competence, human resources, and experience to manage local government elections.
Citing the commission’s successful track record, Yakubu highlighted INEC’s consistent conduct of elections in the six Federal Capital Territory Area Councils, as well as numerous off-season and bye-elections. He emphasized that these accomplishments demonstrate INEC’s ability to handle elections at all levels.
“So if this responsibility for the conduct of local government elections is transferred to INEC, can INEC cope? The answer is yes, INEC can cope,” Yakubu stated. He explained that INEC already manages national and state elections, including local elections in the Federal Capital Territory, showcasing its capability through regular, unbiased elections without caretaker committees.
Yakubu underscored the importance of constitutional amendments to officially transfer the responsibility to INEC, while also addressing funding questions. He suggested that while some propose a new federal electoral commission for local elections, INEC’s proven effectiveness makes it a suitable choice.
The INEC Chairman reassured the joint panel that the commission is well-prepared for upcoming off-cycle elections in Edo and Ondo States and has budgeted for outstanding by-elections in seven federal and state legislative constituencies.
Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu affirmed INEC’s readiness to conduct local government elections, contingent upon necessary legislative changes and resource provisions.
