The Nigerian Senate has introduced a new bill titled “Local Government Independent Electoral Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB. 531)” aimed at creating a National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission (NILGEC). Sponsored by Sen. Sani Musa (APC, Niger-East), this bill proposes an independent body responsible for conducting elections for Local Government Chairmen and Councillors across Nigeria.
The bill outlines NILGEC's key functions, including organizing free and fair elections, maintaining an accurate voter register, and ensuring voter education. It also gives NILGEC the authority to set electoral guidelines, recruit and train electoral staff, and monitor the electoral process. NILGEC will have the power to investigate and adjudicate electoral disputes and will operate independently, with its budget approved by the National Assembly.
The proposed legislation specifies that NILGEC will be composed of a Chairperson and six Commissioners, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, serving five-year terms renewable once. The bill emphasizes the importance of NILGEC’s autonomy, including financial independence, and outlines a clear electoral process with elections for Local Government offices to be held every four years.
Additionally, the bill addresses electoral offenses, including voter fraud and ballot stuffing, with penalties to be enforced by NILGEC in collaboration with other government agencies. Upon NILGEC’s establishment, all responsibilities related to Local Government elections will be transferred to this new body, marking a significant shift in Nigeria's local electoral governance.