JUST IN: INEC CAN HANDLE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS - MAHMOOD YAKUBU

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If given the task, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is more than capable of managing local government election administration.

In an appearance before the joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on Thursday, July 25, to discuss preparations for the impending governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, commission chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu made this statement.

According to him, INEC is capable of managing the local government elections, but that will only be achievable if the law is changed to allow it to do so.

He emphasized that the Federal Capital Territory, where the Commission has been holding area council elections, has not experienced any of the issues related to holding local government elections.

He listed a few benefits of having INEC handle elections, such as the fact that there are always elections when they are scheduled, tenure stability, and the absence of caretaker committees in the Federal Capital Territory.

Mahmood pointed out that, in contrast to what happens in most states, no political party has ever won every seat in an election.

He pointed out that, in contrast to what happens in most states, no political party has ever won every seat in an election.

He, however, said this can only happen if the constitution is amended to take the responsibility from state electoral commissions.