Controversy as NASS moves to rush new body to conduct LGA elections

• The National Assembly is fast-tracking legislation to create the Independent Local Government Electoral Commission (NILGEC) for local government elections
• Critics argue the bill violates federalism principles, requiring state assembly approval to repeal existing laws governing State Independent Electoral Commissions

There is growing controversy as the National Assembly (NASS) moves to fast-track legislation to create a new body, the Independent Local Government Electoral Commission (NILGEC), to handle local government elections. The bill, introduced by Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, seeks to transfer the responsibility from State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) to the proposed NILGEC.

This move follows a Supreme Court judgment in July that granted financial autonomy to local councils and abolished joint state and local government accounts. Proponents of the bill argue it would further streamline the electoral process, but critics see it as a violation of federalism principles enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, particularly Section 162(6-8). They point out that repealing Section 197(1) of the Constitution, which establishes SIECs, would require approval from the state Houses of Assembly—a major obstacle.

YAIGA Africa, a key advocate for SIEC independence, voiced strong opposition to the bill, warning of its potential to weaken local democracy and overburden INEC, which would be tasked with conducting these elections. Samson Itodo, Executive Director of YAIGA Africa, suggested that the focus should instead be on strengthening the SIECs through legal reforms, arguing that abolishing them would undermine state autonomy and reduce citizen participation in local governance.

Despite the pushback, the National Assembly seems determined to push forward with the proposal, setting the stage for possible legal battles and heightened debate over the future of local government elections in Nigeria.