The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, has declared that the commission is competent to conduct local government (LG) elections if given the responsibility by law.
Yakubu made this known during a Joint National Assembly Committee on Electoral Matters meeting, where he presented the Ondo and Edo off-cycle elections budget.
Currently, state governments organize LG elections, which has been criticized by opposition parties.
Yakubu emphasized that INEC successfully conducts elections in the 62 wards of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area councils and can do the same across the 774 local government areas with amendments to electoral laws.
He also highlighted technological improvements for the upcoming Edo and Ondo governorship polls and assured that the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal will function smoothly.
Yakubu expressed confidence in funding for off-cycle elections, citing the executive’s pledge to release funds for seven by-elections.
Additionally, he urged lawmakers to pass the Electoral Offenders Bill to empower the Commission to address electoral malfeasance.
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