'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – Yusuf Maman Dantalle, National Chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), has called for a significant overhaul in the management of local government elections, advocating for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to replace State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) in conducting these elections.
Addressing leaders of political parties at INEC's quarterly consultative meeting, Dantalle criticized the existing SIECs, describing them as ineffective and detrimental to democratic processes. He argued that these commissions lack essential electoral infrastructure, such as voter registers and trained personnel, and are responsible for flawed and non-transparent elections that contribute to public distrust and voter apathy.
Dantalle highlighted recent financial autonomy granted to local governments as a positive development but emphasized that this alone is not sufficient. He argued that INEC, which has demonstrated its capability in managing elections, including the recent FCT Area Councils elections, should be entrusted with overseeing all local government polls.
IPAC is pushing for constitutional and electoral reforms to transfer local election responsibilities from SIECs to INEC. They are opposed to a proposed bill for a new Local Government Independent Electoral Commission, which they view as another ineffective and costly attempt to manage local elections.
Dantalle’s speech also emphasized the need for credible, transparent, and inclusive elections at all levels to restore public confidence in the electoral process. He linked the success of upcoming gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo States to the broader goal of ensuring electoral integrity and political stability in Nigeria.
IPAC pledged to support INEC’s efforts and urged the National Assembly to amend relevant laws to enable INEC to manage local government elections effectively. The council also called for the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission to prosecute offenders and reinforce the integrity of the electoral system.
As Nigeria approaches key elections, Dantalle’s remarks underscore a pressing need for reform in the electoral management process to ensure fair and credible elections at all levels.
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