Yakubu: INEC can handle local government elections, but…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed confidence in its ability to conduct local government elections if assigned the responsibility.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made this statement on Thursday, July 25, during his appearance before the joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters.

The discussion focused on preparations for the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.

He said INEC has the capacity to handle the local government elections but that would only be possible pending when the law is amended to permit it to do so.

He pointed out that the Commission had been conducting area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory which has been devoid of the problems associated with the conduct of local government elections.

He pointed out some advantages of INEC handling elections to include that there are regular elections as when due, stability of tenure, and also that there has never been a caretaker committee in the FCT.

He noted that there has never been a time one political party has won all the seats at the elections as is common in the states.

He said if INEC handles the election, it would be better for democracy.

He, however, said this can only happen if the constitution is amended to take the responsibility from state electoral commissions.