NASS considers reviewing Constitution for INEC to conduct LG polls

NASS considers reviewing Constitution for INEC to conduct LG polls

The National Assembly is considering amending the 1999 constitution to allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to oversee local government elections instead of state electoral bodies.

This initiative follows a recent Supreme Court ruling that granted autonomy to local government areas, prompted by a federal government lawsuit.

During a press conference in Abuja, representing Kogi West, Senator Sunday Karimi emphasized that the National Assembly will ensure state governments comply with the Supreme Court’s judgement by amending the constitution to address inherent contentious issues. Karimi, the Committee on Senate Services Chairman, stated, “These include grey areas like the transfer of the responsibility of the conduct of elections to the local councils from the various state electoral bodies to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”

He further noted that the battle is over, adding, “Some state governors will fight back.”

READ ALSO:

• Colombia soccer federation head, son arrested after Copa America final
• Israel strikes five schools in week of ‘massacres’
• Suspected serial killer confessed to murder of 42 women in Kenya – Police

Senator Okakuro Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central, also voiced his support for the amendment. He asserted that the 1999 Constitution should be revised to grant INEC the legal right to be the sole body responsible for conducting local government elections.