THE House of Representatives has mandated the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to relocate all its local government offices out of the premises of the 774 council headquarters in Nigeria to neutral grounds.
Most INEC offices at the local government level are domiciled inside the council Secretariats, which the House of Representatives said makes the INEC live in bondage of the council chairmen, particularly when there’s a domination of a single political party in the affected states.
The House of Representatives order followed the unanimous adoption of a motion, ‘Urgent Need To Relocate INEC Local Governments’ Offices To Neutral Venues,’ sponsored by the member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo federal constituency, Prof Paul Nnamchi, on Wednesday.
Professor Nnamchi in his supporting arguments to the motion cited section 157 of the 1999 Constitution which according to him guaranteed INEC unhindered autonomy and independence to conduct national elections.
The Labour Party Rep stated that the majority of the INEC’s local government offices are currently situated within local government headquarters, arguing that it potentially hampers and compromises the independence of INEC in the conduct of elections.
“This proximity exposes INEC to undue interference by interest groups, particularly in areas dominated by a single political party and this impedes INEC’s impartiality as enshrined in Section 6 of the Electoral Act 2022 as amended,” Nnamchi argued.
Professor Nnamchi who doubles as the House Committee Chairman on Nigeria Republic of Island Parliamentary Friendship Association and the Deputy Chairman, Southeast Development Commission further stressed that the relocation was necessary to maintain public trust and confidence in the electoral process.
The House after due considerations of the motion and the arguments put forward by Professor Nnamchi urged INEC to ensure that there is budgetary provisions in 2025 budget to commence the relocation process.
The House equally directed its Committee on Electoral Reforms to liaise with INEC and other relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance and report back to the house within four(4) weeks.
