The House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards reforming local government elections by advancing a bill to establish the National Local Government Electoral Commission.
The proposed body aims to standardise and oversee elections for Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, and Councillors across the country, ensuring greater transparency and fairness at the grassroots level.
Sponsored by Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu and presented by Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, the bill seeks to create an independent commission responsible for conducting elections, regulating political parties, and maintaining an accurate voter register.
The draft legislation also proposes an amendment to Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution to grant the commission the authority to oversee local polls and enforce electoral laws.
If passed, the commission will consist of a Chairman and 37 members representing each state and the Federal Capital Territory.
The President will appoint the Chairman and board members based on recommendations from the National Council of State, subject to Senate confirmation.
The commission will also be required to submit periodic reports to the President, National Assembly, and the public, reinforcing accountability in local governance.
Beyond election management, the commission will play a crucial role in educating voters and ensuring compliance with campaign finance laws.
By setting election timetables, overseeing political parties, and monitoring candidates, it aims to prevent irregularities that have long plagued local government elections.
In a related development, the House also advanced another bill sponsored by Kalu, seeking to mandate the executive to present any international treaty signed by Nigeria to the National Assembly within 180 days for ratification.
