Ignore calls for scrapping of state electoral commissions, Yiaga tells n’assembly

Yiaga Africa, a civil society organisation (CSO), has asked the national assembly not to accede to calls for the scrapping of state electoral commissions (SIECs).

In May, Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, proposed that SIECs should be dispensed with, saying they had been exploited by governors.

In a statement on Friday, Samson Itodo, executive director, YIAGA Africa, said the proposal to scrap SIECs is fundamentally flawed and will have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s democracy if implemented.

Itodo said tampering with SIECs would be an added burden to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which could lead to poorly conducted local elections.

“Secondly, it undermines the autonomy of states guaranteed in the constitution, potentially leading to an over concentration of power in the federal government,” the statement reads.

“Thirdly, it weakens local democracy and citizens’ participation as local communities will be stripped of the opportunity to participate in decision-making.

“In 2022, the National Assembly introduced a provision in the 2022 Electoral Act to regulate the procedure for LGA elections in a bid to salvage the integrity of local government elections.

“SIECs were compelled by the Act to conduct local elections in conformity with the procedures laid out in the 2022 Electoral Act.”

Itodo said states had since been updating electoral laws to conform with the provisions of the 2022 electoral act.

He said INEC’s current mandate is extensive and demands substantial resources and attention.

“Adding the responsibility of conducting local government elections would further strain the Commission, potentially leading to administrative inefficiencies and reduced effectiveness in managing electoral processes,” the Yiaga Africa boss said.

“Undoubtedly, SIECs have been underwhelming since the return to democracy in 1999 due to capture by state governors, weak or ineffective legal framework, underfunding and limited election administration capabilities.

“These factors have resulted in poorly conducted and flawed local council elections.

“Rather than scrap SIECs, the National Assembly and executive should consider implementing stricter sanctions or legislation that criminalise dissolution of local government councils.”

Itodo added that addressing the underlying issues and strengthening SIECs through legal and institutional reforms would enhance local democracy and preserve the integrity of LGA elections.