IPAC Condemns Proposed Bill To Create LG Independent Electoral Commission

Summary : The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has strongly condemned the proposed bill by the Senate to create the Local Government Independent Electoral Commission sponsored by Sen. Sani Musa. The umbrella body of all registered political parties in Nigeria in a statement by the national publicity secretary Mrs Chinyere Ogeh Kalu issued to journalists in Abuja, Friday, said this move is unacceptable and unnecessary, as it will lead to duplication of functions and waste of public funds. It said creating another commission will not address the challenges faced in conducting local government elections, saying instead, it will lead to unnecessary duplication of efforts and resources. It noted that the proposed commission will still rely on INEC’s voter register, IREV, BVAS, ballot boxes, and other resources to conduct a successful election. It said rather than creating another commission, “we should focus on building the capacity of INEC to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections at the local level. This is especially crucial at a time when the government is grappling with limited resources to cater to the welfare of citizens.” IPAC urged the Senate to reconsider this proposed bill and prioritise the strengthening of INEC to deliver credible elections at all levels. (LEADERSHIP)