Details Of Bill Seeking To Establish National Electoral Body To Conduct LG Elections

Details have been released on the new bill the Senate introduced seeking to create an independent electoral body charged with the responsibility of conducting local government council elections.

The bill with title,“Local Government Independent Electoral Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB. 531)”, was sponsored by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Sen. Sani Musa, (APC, Niger-East).

The bill partly states, “To establish the National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission (NILGEC) responsible for conducting elections to the office of the Local Government Chairman and Councillors, and any other matter thereof to do with local government as a third tier of government.

“The National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission (NILGEC) is hereby established as an autonomous body mandated to organize, oversee, and conduct elections for the offices of Local Government Chairman and Councillors across all states”.

The Bill lists the functions and powers of NILGEC to include conduct of free, fair, and transparent elections for Local Government Chairman and Councillors.

It stated further, “To prepare and maintain an accurate and up-to-date voter register.

“To ensure voter education and public awareness regarding the electoral process.

“To set and enforce electoral guidelines and regulations for Local Government elections.

“To recruit and train electoral officers and staff for efficient election management.

“To monitor and supervise all electoral activities and processes.

“To investigate and adjudicate electoral disputes and grievances.”

According to the proposed legislation, NILGEC shall consist of a Chairperson and six Commissioners, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

*It said further that, “The Chairperson and Commissioners shall serve for a term of 5 years