Nigeria’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commisssion (INEC), has retiriated to state electoral commissions that improving local elections requires more than funding, stating that it demands proper planning, legal compliance, and clear processes.
At a high-level meeting with the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON), INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu praised the new FOSIECON leadership but cautioned against haphazard election planning.
“Money is only a facilitator,” Yakubu said. “Without a clear definition of processes and procedures, no amount of money will solve any problem.”
The visit, led by FOSIECON Chairman Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, was aimed at renewing cooperation between INEC and state commissions. Eri called for more support, especially in technology, training, and experience sharing.
Yakubu acknowledged that local elections are foundational to democracy but stressed that state commissions must take their legal responsibilities seriously. “Some commissions are announcing elections with just 21 days’ notice — that’s a violation of the Electoral Act and Supreme Court rulings,” he warned.
He encouraged SIECs to adopt INEC’s best practices, citing how the Federal Capital Territory has never had a caretaker committee thanks to regular, law-abiding elections. “Let’s plan forward. For example, the next FCT election is in February, but we released the timetable early this year,” he added.
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“INEC will continue to support you, but we must work together to build elections people can trust especially at the grassroots.” The Chairman concluded.
