In a groundbreaking move, the Senate introduced a new bill on Thursday aimed at establishing an independent electoral body dedicated to conducting local government council elections. The bill, titled “Local Government Independent Electoral Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB. 531),” was sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Sen. Sani Musa (APC, Niger-East).
The proposed legislation seeks to create the National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission (NILGEC), an autonomous body tasked with organizing, overseeing, and conducting elections for Local Government Chairmen and Councillors across all states. The bill emphasizes the importance of NILGEC’s role in ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections at the local government level.
Key functions and powers outlined in the bill for NILGEC include maintaining an accurate voter register, promoting voter education and public awareness, setting and enforcing electoral guidelines, recruiting and training electoral officers, supervising electoral activities, and resolving electoral disputes. NILGEC is also charged with the responsibility of developing procedures for voter registration, candidate nomination, and the provision of necessary electoral materials and logistics.
The proposed commission will consist of a Chairperson and six Commissioners, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, each serving a term of five years, renewable once. The bill underscores NILGEC’s independence, stating that it will operate free from external influence, with its budget approved by the National Assembly to ensure financial autonomy.
On the electoral process, the bill mandates that NILGEC announce election schedules at least six months in advance and conduct local government elections every four years. It also outlines penalties for electoral offenses such as voter fraud, ballot stuffing, and electoral violence, ensuring offenders are prosecuted and punished according to the law.
Additionally, the bill calls for NILGEC to collaborate with government agencies, security forces, and civil society organizations to ensure a secure and credible electoral process. Upon NILGEC’s establishment, all powers related to local government elections currently held by other bodies will be transferred to NILGEC.
The introduction of this bill marks a significant step toward enhancing the integrity and efficiency of local government elections in Nigeria.
