INEC Will Consider Calls to Conduct Local Government Elections — Amupitan

Professor Joash Amupitan, nominee for Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has said the commission will consider growing calls for it to take over the conduct of Local Government elections across the country.

Speaking during his screening at the Senate on Thursday, Amupitan acknowledged that the proposal has been a subject of national debate, with many Nigerians expressing concerns over the credibility of local government polls conducted by State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs).

“The view of many people is that it should be transferred to INEC because of what is happening in the local governments,” he said.

However, Amupitan expressed reservations about the feasibility of the idea, noting that the move could impose an additional administrative and logistical burden on the electoral body.

“But is it not going to add another burden on INEC if we are to conduct elections in over 700 local governments?” he asked.

He assured lawmakers that the matter would be carefully examined once he assumes office but stressed that “it is not something I have answers to for now.”

Professor Amupitan was nominated by President Bola Tinubu to succeed the outgoing INEC Chairman and is currently undergoing screening at the Red Chamber.