The House of Representatives has ordered 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.
Naija News reports that most INEC offices at the local government level are situated in the council secretariats.
However, the House of Representatives has stated that this situation makes INEC live in the bondage of the council chairmen, particularly when there’s a domination of a single political party in the affected states.
The lawmakers’ order follows 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.
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.
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 consideration of the motion and the arguments put forward by Nnamchi, urged INEC to ensure that there is budgetary provisions in the 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.