By Danjuma Attah, Gombe
The coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Northeast Nigeria has called for the scraping of State Independent Electoral Commissions across the country in the proposed Constitutional Amendment by the Nigerian Senate.
Presenting their position for amendment during the public hearing on the amendment of the Nigerian constitution that took place in Maiduguri, Borno State, for the Northeast geopolitical zone, the North East Civil Society Network (NECSN), suggested that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), takes over the conduct of Local Council elections from the SIEC’s.
Spokesman of NECSN, Shuaibu Dauda, while presenting their position, said doing so will allow electoral credibility and stop the overbearing influence by State Governors on the State Electoral Commissions.
Mr Shuaibu said, “we propose the vesting of powers to conduct LGA elections solely in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)” Mr Shuaibu said.
According to the CSO’s, the move is aimed at ensuring consistency through an informed electoral processes across the country, enhance credibility by reducing disputes and increase trust in election outcomes.
The CSO’s explained that the proposal was informed by the undue influence and bias by State Governors whose influence has consistently compromised election integrity.
“Varied electoral practices across States can lead to confusion and disputes thus, creating inconsistency while INEC oversight will ensure adherence to national electoral standards allowing for national interest to prevail”, Mr Shuaibu pointed out.
The CSO’s therefore proposed a constitutional amendment that will modify relevant sections to vest LGA election powers in INEC, a legislative framework that allows the enactment of supporting laws to guide INEC’s role in LGA elections as well as, build INEC’s capacity to manage LGA elections effectively.
NECSN is a coalition of CSO’s dedicated to promoting good governance, peace and development in Northeast Nigeria.
As a strategic partner, NECSN presented it’s position on the constitutional review, focusing on key areas that impact the Northeast region and Nigeria’s development.
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