NNPP Rejects Senate Bill on LG Election Commission, Calls It a Threat to Democracy

The New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) has strongly opposed the recent bill introduced by the Senate seeking to establish a Local Government Election Commission.

The party described the proposed legislation as a calculated move to undermine democracy in Nigeria.

The bill, titled “Local Government Independent Electoral Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB. 531),” was sponsored by Senator Sani Musa, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance.

It has already passed its first reading and aims to create an autonomous body responsible for organising, overseeing, and conducting local government elections across all states for the offices of Local Government Chairman and Councillors.

In a statement released yesterday, the NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, condemned the bill, stating that it lacked integrity and would exacerbate the existing issues within the electoral process.

“It is inconceivable that such a bill is being proposed to conduct local government elections in the country,” Johnson said.

He argued that the idea of the proposed body being a federal agency compromised its ability to serve its intended purpose.

“Arrogating federal powers to such an agency can only compound an already chaotic and crisis-prone election process,” he added.

Johnson further warned that the bill would not enhance democracy but rather destroy what remains of the nation’s already fragile democratic system.

He expressed concerns over potential abuse of power by federal authorities if the bill is passed into law.

“It’s unfortunate that we continue to witness plans and actions by some politicians that are clearly tailored towards specific negative objectives.

This bill, if passed, will totally kill democracy in the country because it is prone to abuse and will certainly be exploited by the Federal authority,” Johnson warned.

He also referenced the negative public perception of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which has faced widespread criticism over its handling of elections, particularly the general elections and the recent Edo State governorship election.

Johnson argued that creating another federal agency to manage local government elections would only worsen the situation.

“The very negative perception of INEC based on recurring criticisms of its performance in elections, especially the overwhelming public opinion about the conduct of the general election and the recent Edo State governorship election, does not support the idea of such a federal agency and should be discarded,” he stated.

The NNPP urged Nigerians, particularly opposition parties, to resist the bill and prevent it from becoming law.

“The protest against this bill is urgent and must be championed by all opposition parties,” Johnson said, stressing that allowing such a law would further erode democracy.

He concluded by highlighting that the core issue with elections in Nigeria is not the lack of agencies but rather the fraudulent practices that plague the electoral process.

According to him, what is needed is a change in attitude by those in charge, not the creation of new bodies.

The NNPP’s firm stance against the bill underscores the growing concern about federal interference in local governance and the potential for further deterioration of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.