Politics

Bill to establish LG election independent commission passes first reading at Senate

Published

1 year ago

July 19, 2024

Ekwutos Blog

If the bill is enacted, the commission will take over the functions of the 36 states’ independent electoral commissions.

ByAbdulqudus Ogundapo

July 18, 2024

Reading Time: 2 mins read

A bill seeking to establish a Local Government Independent Electoral Commission has passed its first reading at the Senate.

The bill was passed Thursday during the plenary after the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, introduced it.

It was sponsored by Sani Musa (APC, Niger East).

It seeks to establish a 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.

Last week, the Supreme Court affirmed the financial autonomy of Nigeria’s 774 local governments.

The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, recentlyalleged that some state governors divert local government allocation to personal use.

Currently, all 36 states have independent election commissions which organise local government elections in the states.

However, elections for the area councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC).

If the bill is passed, the state independent electoral commissions (SIEC) will be replaced by NILGEC.

Content of the bill

Establishment of NILGEC

According to the bill, the NILGEC will be an autonomous body to organise, oversee, and conduct elections for the offices of local government chairman and councillors in all 36 states and the FCT.

Functions and Powers

– To conduct free, fair, and transparent elections for Local Government Chairman and Councillors.

– 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.

Composition of NILGEC

The bill says NILGEC shall consist of a chairperson and six commissioners, appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate.

The chairperson and commissioners shall serve for five years, renewable once.

Independence and Autonomy

NILGEC shall operate independently, free from external influence and interference.

The commission shall have its own budget, approved by the National Assembly, to ensure financial independence.

Electoral Process and Procedures

NILGEC shall develop and implement procedures for voter registration, candidate nomination, and the conduct of elections.

The commission shall ensure the provision of necessary electoral materials and logistics for the smooth conduct of elections.

Election Timeline

NILGEC shall announce the election schedule at least six months before the date of the election.

Elections for the offices of local government chairman and councillors shall be conducted every four years.

Electoral Offences and Penalties

NILGEC shall define and enforce penalties for electoral offences, including but not limited to voter fraud, ballot stuffing, and electoral violence.

Offenders shall be prosecuted and punished in accordance with the laws of the land.

Collaboration with Other Agencies

NILGEC shall collaborate with other relevant government agencies, security forces, and civil society organisations to ensure a secure and credible electoral process.

Transitional Provisions

Upon the establishment of NILGEC, all powers and functions related to the conduct of Local Government elections previously vested in any other body or authority shall be transferred to NILGEC.

EVENTS

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES SENATOR IFEANYI ARARUME ON HIS BIRTHDAY

Published

3 hours ago

December 16, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

President Bola Tinubu felicitates Senator Ifeanyi Godwin Ararume, astute politician and accomplished businessman, on his birthday, December 16.

Senator Ararume’s odyssey in politics began in the late 1980s, when he served as the State Treasurer of the Liberal Convention in old Imo State. He later joined the National Finance Committee of the defunct National Republican Convention.

He represented Imo North in the 9th National Assembly. He was first elected in May 1999 and re-elected in April 2003. He also served on several committees and held other official roles.

President Tinubu commends the former senator for his years of service to the nation and contributions to its peace, unity, and progress.

The President describes Senator Ararume as a resolute and shrewd politician, highlighting his courageous and remarkable political journey through the years.

President Tinubu wishes Senator Ararume a happy 67th birthday and prays that God Almighty will grant him more years of good health and strength.

Politics

Ndigbo are no longer spectators in the Nigerian project- Minister Dave Umahi dismisses calls for Biafra under Tinubu’s administration

Published

1 day ago

December 15, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, says the all-inclusive style of governance being practiced by President Bola Tinubu has made the agitation for Biafra an unnecessary clamour.

While speaking at the inspection of the Enugu-Anambra road last Saturday, December 13, Umahi said the Tinubu administration had given Ndigbo what they had sought for decades, not through secession, but through what he described as unprecedented inclusion in national governance and development.

He explained that the agitation for Biafra was historically driven by neglect, exclusion and underrepresentation at the federal level, but insisted that the situation had changed under the current administration.

“When a people are fully integrated, respected and empowered within the structure of the nation, the dream they once chased through agitation has already been achieved through cooperation.

The push for Biafran secession over the years was borne out of neglect, exclusion and underrepresentation but today the narrative has changed dramatically under President Bola Tinubu.

The President has deliberately opened the doors of national development to the South-East. Appointments, policy inputs and infrastructure priorities now reflect true federal balance.

Every sector now bears visible Igbo footprints. The emergence of Igbo sons and daughters in strategic positions is a testament to this inclusion.

Biafra was never about breaking Nigeria; it was about being counted in Nigeria. Through inclusion, equity and concrete development, Ndigbo are no longer spectators in the Nigerian project; they are co-authors of its future. When justice finds a people, agitation loses its voice.”he said

Politics

ADC Launches 90-Day Membership Drive, Fixes Dates For Congresses, National Convention

Published

1 day ago

December 15, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced a 90-day nationwide membership mobilisation, revalidation, and registration exercise as part of preparations for its internal party activities ahead of 2026.

The party also approved provisional dates for its congresses and the election of delegates at the polling unit, ward, and local government levels across the country.

In circulars issued by its national secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, the ADC said the congresses are expected to hold between January 20 and January 27, 2026.

The process, the party said, will lead to the emergence of delegates who will participate in its non-elective national convention scheduled for February 2026 in Abuja.

A statement by Bolaji Abdullahi, national publicity secretary of the party, said the decisions were reached at a meeting of the national working committee (NWC) held on November 27, 2025.

Abdullahi said the timetable and activities were approved in line with the resolutions of the NWC and in accordance with relevant provisions of the party’s constitution.

The ADC said further details on the membership exercise, congresses, and convention will be communicated to party members and stakeholders in due course.