#Grassroot Development: Senate Introduces Bill to Establish Independent Electoral Body for Local Government Elections

ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Senate has introduced a new bill seeking to establish an independent electoral body, the National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission (NILGEC), to conduct local government council elections. Sponsored by Sen. Sani Musa, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, the bill aims to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.

NILGEC will be responsible for conducting elections, preparing and maintaining voter registers, ensuring voter education, and setting electoral guidelines. The commission will consist of a Chairperson and six Commissioners, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, serving a five-year term.

The bill emphasizes NILGEC’s independence and autonomy, with its own budget approved by the National Assembly. It outlines procedures for voter registration, candidate nomination, and election conduct, ensuring necessary electoral materials and logistics.

Electoral offenses and penalties are also defined, with collaboration between NILGEC, government agencies, security forces, and civil society organizations to ensure a secure and credible process. Upon establishment, all powers related to local government elections will be transferred to NILGEC.