INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu Warns SIECs to Follow Electoral Act in Local Polls

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has issued a stern warning to State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) across Nigeria, urging them to adhere strictly to the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 when conducting local government elections. The warning comes amidst growing concerns about the integrity and credibility of grassroots-level elections, often marred by irregularities and short preparation timelines.

Speaking in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON) on Tuesday, Yakubu emphasized that legal compliance is non-negotiable. He cited several relevant sections of the Electoral Act—specifically Sections 98 to 113 and Section 151—that provide a legal framework for conducting elections in the country, including at the local government level.

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 “Yakubu to SIECs: 21-Day Notices Are Illegal and Undemocratic”

The INEC boss took particular issue with a recent incident in which a state issued only 21 days’ notice for its local elections, calling the decision both unlawful and logistically unfeasible. He stressed that such actions run contrary to the Electoral Act and Supreme Court decisions, which advocate for adequate timeframes to ensure credible and effective electoral processes.

“Elections cannot be successfully organized within 21 days,” Yakubu said. “There are legal requirements for party primaries, public campaigns, voter education, recruitment and training of staff, logistics, and security arrangements. All these are impossible to coordinate within such a short notice.”

He pointed to INEC’s example in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where the commission released the election timetable more than 360 days in advance—demonstrating a commitment to transparency, accountability, and compliance with the law.

Yakubu argued that the issue with SIECs is not just inadequate funding, which is often cited as a major barrier, but also the absence of clearly defined procedures and timelines. He noted that proper planning and legal compliance are more critical to the success of elections than simply having financial resources.

INEC’s Continued Support for SIECs

Despite these challenges, Yakubu reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to supporting SIECs through technical assistance, capacity building, and the timely provision of essential electoral materials. This includes voters’ registers, polling unit details, and updated political party lists.

“No SIEC has ever been denied support. We’ve always fulfilled this responsibility and will continue doing so,” Yakubu reassured.

He urged the state electoral bodies to adopt best practices and align their operations with INEC’s standards, particularly by ensuring ample notice for elections and maintaining public trust through transparent processes.

FOSIECON Backs Greater Collaboration and Reform

In response, FOSIECON Chairman Mamman Eri, who also chairs the Kogi State Electoral Commission, acknowledged the shortcomings in the current system and emphasized the importance of improving collaboration with INEC. According to Eri, the purpose of the visit was to strengthen inter-agency relationships and reinforce FOSIECON’s renewed commitment to integrity and transparency in local electoral administration.

Eri admitted that credible local government elections are essential to deepening Nigeria’s democracy and ensuring that governance starts at the grassroots. “With adequate support and technical partnership from INEC, we believe SIECs can deliver elections that not only meet national expectations but also align with international standards,” he said.

He further stressed that the new FOSIECON leadership is dedicated to enhancing the quality of elections by promoting professionalism and reducing political interference in the conduct of polls.

Grassroots Democracy at a Critical Juncture

Yakubu’s remarks signal a growing urgency to reform how local government elections are managed in Nigeria. Local elections have long been viewed as the weakest link in the electoral chain, often plagued by last-minute planning, low voter turnout, and manipulation by incumbent state governments.

INEC’s call for SIECs to respect the Electoral Act is a push toward standardization and credibility. The message is clear: democracy cannot flourish without lawful, timely, and transparent elections at every level of government.

As the country gears up for future local elections, both INEC and FOSIECON appear poised to deepen collaboration. If their shared goals are realized, it could mark a significant step forward for grassroots democratic development across Nigeria.