Reps want INEC’s Local Gov’t offices relocated

The House of Representatives has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to relocate its Local Government offices to neutral and secured locations to protect the integrity of the commission.

The call followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Sunday Nnamchi (LP-Enugu State) at plenary on Wednesday.

Nnamchi said that Section 157 of the Constitution guarantees INEC unhindered autonomy and independence to conduct national elections.

He said that INEC has a critical role in conducting free, fair, and credible elections across the country, in accordance with the law.

He noted that majority of the INEC’s local government offices were situated within local government headquarters.

“This is potentially hampering and compromising the independence of INEC in the conduct of national elections.

“This proximity exposes INEC to manipulation and control by council Chairmen, particularly in areas dominated by a single political party.

“This impedes INEC’s impartiality as enshrined in Section 6 of the Electoral Act (2022). Hence, the need to maintain public trust and confidence in the electoral processes,” he said.

In his ruling, the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, mandated the Committee on INEC and other relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance and report to the House for further legislative actions.