A Call for INEC to Conduct Local Government Elections

Alhassan Ado Doguwa, a member of the House of Representatives representing Doguwa/Tudun Wada federal constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take over the conduct of local government elections in Nigeria.

In a lla statement issued to journalists on Monday, Doguwa emphasised that empowering INEC to oversee elections at the local level is crucial for ensuring transparency, accountability, and the deepening of democratic practices at the grassroots.

Doguwa stressed that the current system of local government elections, managed by state electoral bodies, often falls short of the standards expected in a democratic society.

He argued that these elections frequently lack transparency and credibility, resulting in the marginalisation of local communities and undermining the essence of democratic representation. To address these issues, Doguwa urged a comprehensive review of the laws governing local government administration and electoral processes, advocating for amendments that would enable INEC to assume responsibility for conducting local council elections.

“The integrity of our electoral process is fundamental to the health of our democracy,” Doguwa stated. “INEC, as the national electoral umpire, has consistently demonstrated its capacity to conduct credible elections at the federal and state levels. It is therefore only logical that the commission should be entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing local government elections as well. This would not only enhance the legitimacy of the electoral process but also foster greater public confidence in the outcomes of these elections.”

Doguwa highlighted that local governments are the closest tier of governance to the people and play a critical role in delivering essential services, promoting development, and addressing the immediate needs of communities.

However, he lamented that the current structure of local government elections in Nigeria often reduces these important institutions to mere extensions of state governments, with little autonomy or capacity to fulfil their mandates effectively.

“A functional local government system is essential for curbing the increasing trend of urban migration,” Doguwa noted. “Many Nigerians are moving to urban centres in search of better opportunities because local governments have been rendered ineffective and unable to provide basic services and employment. By allowing INEC to conduct local government elections, we can restore the autonomy of these institutions and empower them to address the root causes of rural-urban migration.”

The lawmaker also underscored the importance of aligning Nigeria’s local government electoral processes with the broader principles of democracy and good governance. He pointed to recent pronouncements by the Supreme Court affirming the autonomy of local governments as a positive step, but cautioned that without reforms to the electoral framework, this autonomy would remain largely theoretical.

“Our electoral laws and constitutional provisions must be updated to reflect the current realities and aspirations of Nigerians,” Doguwa asserted.

“This includes recognising the third tier of government as a vital component of our democracy and ensuring that elections at this level are conducted with the same rigour and impartiality as those at the state and federal levels. Only INEC, with its proven track record and established credibility, can provide the oversight needed to achieve this.”

Doguwa’s call for electoral reforms comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with various challenges, including insecurity, economic instability, and a growing disconnect between the government and the governed.

He argued that strengthening local governments through credible elections is a crucial step towards addressing these challenges, as it would enable communities to elect leaders who are directly accountable to them and committed to their development.

He concluded by urging his colleagues in the National Assembly to prioritise the review of existing electoral and constitutional laws, with a focus on expanding INEC’s mandate to include the conduct of local government elections.

According to him, this would not only enhance the quality of governance at the grassroots but also ensure that the voices of ordinary Nigerians are heard and respected in the democratic process.

“As representatives of the people, it is our duty to safeguard the integrity of our democratic institutions and processes,” Doguwa said

“By entrusting INEC with the responsibility of conducting local government elections, we can take a significant step towards realising the full potential of our democracy and ensuring that it truly serves the interests of all Nigerians.”

Doguwa’s advocacy for electoral reform is likely to spark further debate about the best ways to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions and ensure that all levels of government are truly representative and accountable to the people they serve.

His call for action highlights the need for continued efforts to refine and improve the country’s electoral system, as a means of fostering greater participation, inclusivity, and trust in the democratic process.