Doguwa: Only INEC can ensure transparent LG elections
Alhassan Doguwa, a member of the House of Representatives, has emphasized the importance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) overseeing local government elections to enhance grassroots democracy.
Doguwa, who represents the Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency in Kano State, made this statement while addressing his constituents in the historical city on Sunday.
Doguwa highlighted that without a revision of the pertinent laws, the third tier of government would remain ineffectual in grassroots development, exacerbating rural-urban migration and its associated issues.
He remarked, “INEC is the only trustworthy electoral body. We must promptly amend our electoral and constitutional laws to enable INEC to conduct local council elections; otherwise, these elections in Nigeria will continue to fall short of their intended purpose.”
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of INEC, had previously on May 23 criticized local government elections as mere formalities for ruling party candidates and advocated for substantial reforms to ensure fair and credible elections.
Yakubu, during a visit by the executive members of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions, accused state governors of manipulating local government elections to benefit their political parties.
“Recognizing our collective responsibility for overseeing democratic elections in Nigeria and the difficulties faced by SIECs in fulfilling their roles, INEC supported the formation of FOSIECOM to foster collaboration for credible elections in Nigeria. Unfortunately, local government elections in nearly all states have turned into mere coronations of ruling party candidates. It’s time to end this practice and conduct genuine elections.”
He also pointed out that some SIECs are inadequately structured, lack security of tenure, or have their functions usurped by government officials. In some cases, SIECs are only formed shortly before elections and disbanded immediately afterward. Many SIECs are also significantly under-resourced, relying on INEC for essential supplies like ballot boxes and voting cubicles.
Doguwa, who chairs the House Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), added that only elections administered by INEC can truly advance the nation’s democracy and improve the election process.
“Our electoral framework, constitutional provisions, and participatory democratic processes can only be secured through elections managed by INEC. This will also reinforce the recent Supreme Court’s decision regarding the autonomy of the third tier of government in Nigeria,” he noted.
Additionally, Doguwa urged Nigerians to remain patient with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, asserting that the current challenges will eventually lead to economic and social prosperity.
“The government has made it clear from the start that the path to a greater Nigeria would not be smooth. While we acknowledge the current hardships, it is important to recognize that this struggle will soon yield prosperity in economic and social spheres. The administration has made significant investments in agriculture and critical infrastructure. Food prices are gradually decreasing, and our troops are achieving notable successes against insurgents. The administration of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is fundamentally focused on Nigeria and its citizens. I urge everyone to support it, regardless of political differences,” he said.
