N/Assembly May Amend Constitution To Allow INEC Conduct LG Elections

• The National Assembly is considering amending the constitution to enable INEC to conduct local government elections instead of state electoral bodies
• Senator Karimi acknowledged that some state governors might resist this change, but praised President Tinubu for allowing the judiciary to rule on local government autonomy

The National Assembly is considering amending the 1999 constitution to enable the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct local government elections instead of state electoral bodies. This follows last Thursday’s Supreme Court judgment granting autonomy to local governments, a decision stemming from a federal government lawsuit.

During a press conference in Abuja, Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West, expressed that the National Assembly would ensure state governments comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling by amending the constitution to address contentious issues. He emphasized transferring the responsibility of conducting local council elections from state electoral bodies to INEC.

Senator Karimi acknowledged that some state governors might resist this change, noting, “President Tinubu allowed the judiciary a free hand to operate in this particular instance, irrespective of the fact that he is a first-term President who may desire a comeback in 2027.”

Senator Okakuro Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central, supported the constitutional amendment, stating that INEC should be the sole body responsible for conducting local government elections. He criticized the current system, which prevents grassroots participation in the democratic process, and praised President Tinubu for ensuring financial autonomy for local governments.

Dafinone highlighted the need to amend the constitution to empower INEC to conduct credible local government elections, guaranteeing democratic participation. He described the recent local government election in Delta as a sham and a mockery of democracy, underscoring the importance of entrusting INEC with this responsibility to ensure fair and transparent elections.