The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has the capability to conduct local government elections throughout Nigeria, contingent on receiving the required resources, says its Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu.

Speaking on Thursday before the National Assembly Joint Committee on INEC and Electoral Committees, Yakubu affirmed the commission’s readiness to undertake this responsibility.

When queried about the Supreme Court’s decision on financial autonomy for Local Governments, Yakubu acknowledged the ongoing debate about whether INEC should be unbundled or a new federal agency created for council elections.

He emphasized that INEC has the capacity, competence, human resources, and experience to handle elections in Nigeria’s 774 local councils.

Citing INEC’s successful track record, Yakubu highlighted the commission’s management of elections in the six Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Councils and its handling of numerous off-season and bye-elections.

“If the responsibility for conducting local government elections is transferred to INEC, we can cope,” Yakubu assured.

“We already manage national and state elections, as well as local elections in the FCT.”

Yakubu pointed out that INEC’s regular and credible conduct of elections in the FCT, which has both urban and rural communities, showcases its capability.

He noted that no single party has dominated the FCT council elections, reflecting the commission’s fair and impartial execution of its duties.

He did, however, mention that any constitutional amendments to assign local government election duties to INEC would require consultation with the National Assembly, particularly regarding funding and legislative adjustments.

Yakubu also remarked on proposals for a new federal electoral commission specifically for local government elections, and the argument against state electoral commissions conducting these elections to uphold federalism principles.

Yakubu concluded by reaffirming INEC’s preparedness, stating that the commission has already made arrangements for the upcoming off-cycle elections in Edo and Ondo States and has budgeted for pending by-elections in several legislative constituencies.

He also noted that INEC’s 2024 Budget is being adequately funded by the Ministry of Finance, with significant monthly releases.