A new bill proposing the establishment of the National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission (NILGEC) has successfully passed its first reading in the Senate.
Sponsored by Senator Sani Musa (APC – Niger East), the bill aims to create a body responsible for conducting elections for the 774 local governments across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The proposed NILGEC will consist of a chairperson and six commissioners, all appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. These officials will serve a five-year term, renewable once.
The bill emphasizes the importance of NILGEC’s independence, stating, “NILGEC shall operate independently, free from external influence and interference. The Commission shall have its budget, approved by the National Assembly, to ensure financial independence.”
Senator Musa highlighted the need for the commission to operate without external pressures.
He said, “This body must function autonomously to guarantee free and fair elections at the local government level.”
NILGEC will be responsible for developing and implementing procedures for voter registration, candidate nominations, and the overall conduct of elections. The commission will ensure the provision of necessary electoral materials and logistics.
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According to the bill, “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.”
The bill also outlines measures to handle electoral offences, including voter fraud, ballot stuffing, and electoral violence, with defined penalties for such actions.
The bill will come into effect once it is passed by the National Assembly and receives presidential assent.