The House of Representatives has taken a major step toward reshaping grassroots democracy by passing a bill for the second reading that seeks to establish the National Local Government Electoral Commission (NALGEC).
The bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu and eight other lawmakers, aims to create an independent body responsible for organizing, supervising, and ensuring free and fair elections for local government chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors across Nigeria.
What’s Changing?
- If passed, the commission will take over local government election duties from state electoral commissions, a move aimed at tackling allegations of manipulation by state governments.
- The President will appoint the chairman and 37 members, representing all 36 states and the FCT, subject to Senate confirmation.
- NALGEC will oversee voter registration, election schedules, campaign monitoring, and voter education to boost credibility and participation in local elections.
- It will also submit periodic reports to the President and National Assembly, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Other Legislative Moves
In addition to the electoral bill, lawmakers also advanced a bill that mandates the executive branch to present international treaties to the National Assembly within 180 days for approval.
With these proposed changes, the House of Reps is pushing for greater accountability and electoral fairness, especially at the grassroots level.
Stay tuned.
