A bill for the establishment of the National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission (NILGEC) has been tabled before the Senate.

NILGEC will be responsible for conducting elections for the 774 local governments in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The proposed commission will consist of a chairman and six commissioners appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The chairman and commissioners will serve for a term of five years, renewable once.

The bill was sponsored by Senator Sani Musa, Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, APC, Niger East. The bill seeks to establish NILGEC as an autonomous body mandated to organize, oversee and conduct elections for the offices of local government chairman and councillors across all states.

According to the bill, NILGEC shall operate independently, free from external influence and interference. The commission shall have its budget, approved by the National Assembly, to ensure financial independence.

The functions and powers of NILGEC include the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections for local government chairman and councillors. The commission will prepare and maintain an accurate and up-to-date voter register. It will ensure voter education and public awareness regarding the electoral process.

NILGEC will set and enforce electoral guidelines and regulations for local government elections. The commission will recruit and train electoral officers and staff for efficient election management ². It will monitor and supervise all electoral activities and processes. The commission will investigate and adjudicate electoral disputes and grievances.

The bill states that NILGEC shall develop and implement procedures for voter registration, candidate nomination and the conduct of elections. The commission shall ensure the provision of necessary electoral materials and logistics for the smooth conduct of elections.

According to the bill, NILGEC shall announce the election schedule at least six months before the date of the election. Elections for the offices of local government chairman and councillors shall be conducted every four years.

The bill stipulates that NILGEC shall define and enforce penalties for electoral offenses, including but not limited to voter fraud, ballot stuffing and electoral violence. Offenders shall be prosecuted and punished in accordance with the laws of the land.

The bill states that NILGEC shall collaborate with other relevant government agencies, security forces and civil society organizations to ensure a secure and credible electoral process. Upon the establishment of NILGEC, all powers and functions related to the conduct of local government elections previously vested in any other body or authority shall be transferred to NILGEC .

The bill comes barely a week after the Supreme Court barred the 36 governors of the federation from further retaining or utilizing funds meant for the 774 local government areas in the country. The apex court ruled that it is illegal and unconstitutional for governors to continue to receive and seize funds allocated to LGs in their states ².