INEC confirms readiness for LG elections pending legal amendments
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is prepared to conduct Local Government elections nationwide if empowered by legal amendments, assured INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
This statement was made during his appearance before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Prof. Yakubu highlighted the Commission’s readiness while briefing lawmakers on the preparations for the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, scheduled for September and November 2024 respectively.
He emphasized that elections in the FCT Area Councils are held regularly, ensuring certainty and preventing the appointment of caretaker committees.
“Regular elections in the FCT ensure a dynamic political landscape, with two major political parties currently holding three Chairmanship seats each,” said Prof. Yakubu, contrasting this with the state-conducted Local Government elections where a single party often dominates.
Prof. Yakubu reassured the readiness of INEC for the Edo and Ondo elections. “We have 57 days to the opening of polls in Edo and 113 days to the election in Ondo. The Commission is well-prepared and has a successful history of conducting elections in these states,” he stated.
INEC has implemented eight out of the 13 scheduled activities for the elections in both states without any delays. The next milestone for Edo State is the submission of polling agents’ names by political parties, due by July 30, 2024.
Addressing concerns, Prof. Yakubu mentioned the recent flooding at the Edo INEC State office, stating that the Commission has recovered and is back on track.
He also addressed issues raised about the use of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) in the electoral process, assuring that discussions with the Commissioner of Police are underway to resolve the matter.
