The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed for second reading a bill seeking to establish the National Local Government Electoral Commission (NALGEC), an independent body responsible for conducting elections at the local government level across Nigeria.
The bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and presented by Majority Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, aims to ensure transparency, credibility, and fairness in local government elections, strengthening democracy at the grassroots.
If enacted, the commission will oversee elections for Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, and Councilors in all 774 local government areas, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The proposed body will consist of a Chairman and 37 members representing the 36 states and the FCT.
According to the bill, the Chairman will serve as the Chief Electoral Officer, while all board members will be appointed by the President based on recommendations from the National Council of State, subject to Senate confirmation.
“The Commission shall provide periodic reports on its activities and the outcomes of local government elections to the President, the National Assembly, and the general public, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in its operations,” the bill states.
Additionally, the legislation seeks to amend Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution, empowering the new electoral body to regulate political parties and their candidates in local elections. It will also be responsible for setting election timetables, managing polling processes, overseeing voter registration, and ensuring adherence to campaign finance laws and electoral codes of conduct.
Furthermore, the commission will implement voter education initiatives to reduce apathy and enhance public participation in local elections. The Secretary of the board, who must be a legal practitioner with at least 10 years of experience, will be appointed by the President based on recommendations from the Commission’s board.
In a related development, the House also passed for second reading a constitutional amendment bill requiring the executive to submit any treaty signed between Nigeria and another country to the National Assembly for enactment within 180 days.
Both bills mark significant steps toward electoral reforms and legislative oversight in Nigeria.
