In a significant move aimed at transforming Nigeria’s electoral landscape, the House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a bill for the second reading that seeks to establish the National Local Government Electoral Commission (NLGEC). If approved, this independent body will take on the crucial responsibility of organizing, conducting, and overseeing local government elections, including the election of Chairmen, Vice-Chairmen, and Councilors across the country.
The bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, was presented in the House by Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere. It aims to bring transparency, fairness, and credibility to local government elections, thereby strengthening democratic governance at the grassroots level.
Under the proposed bill, the commission will consist of a Chairman and 37 members, with one representative from each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The Chairman, who will also serve as the Chief Electoral Officer, and other members will be appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the National Council of State, subject to Senate approval.
One of the key highlights of the bill is the push for greater transparency and accountability in local elections. The commission will be required to provide regular reports on its activities and the outcomes of local government elections to the President, National Assembly, and the public. This is expected to promote trust in the electoral process and ensure that the conduct of elections remains free and fair.
Additionally, the bill seeks to amend Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution to grant the commission authority over political parties and candidates during local government elections. This will include regulating party conduct, ensuring adherence to campaign finance laws, and enforcing electoral codes of conduct. The commission will also be responsible for setting election schedules, managing polling processes, and ensuring that voter registration is accurate and up-to-date.
To further boost public engagement and reduce voter apathy, the NLGEC will be tasked with designing and implementing voter education programs. These initiatives will focus on informing the public about the importance of local government elections, the roles of voters, and the electoral process.
The bill also outlines the criteria for appointing the Secretary of the Board, specifying that the individual must be a legal practitioner with at least 10 years of experience, and appointed by the President on the recommendation of the commission’s board.
In another important move, the House also passed a bill aimed at amending the 1999 Constitution to set a timeframe within which the executive must present any treaty signed between Nigeria and another country to the National Assembly. Sponsored again by Kalu, this bill proposes that such treaties must be submitted within 180 days of signing, ensuring timely legislative review and approval.
If passed into law, the creation of the NLGEC would mark a major step toward modernizing Nigeria’s electoral system, enhancing local governance, and making elections more transparent and inclusive at the grassroots level.
