The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has called on State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) to adhere strictly to the statutory 360-day notice for local government elections, warning that short-notice polls violate both the law and a recent Supreme Court judgment.
He made the remarks during a courtesy visit by the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON) at the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, 31st July 2025.
Professor Yakubu stressed that local government elections form the foundation of credible democracy and national development, expressing satisfaction that all states now have elected councils. However, he raised concerns over the quality of these elections, urging SIECs to emulate INEC’s conduct of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council polls, which he described as a model of regularity and fairness.
“The FCT is the only part of Nigeria where there has never been a caretaker committee in the six area councils,” he noted. “Elections are held as scheduled—first under a three-year tenure, and now four years, following the Electoral Act amendment. No single party has ever swept all seats, and INEC maintains functional offices in every council. This is the standard we expect from SIECs.”
The INEC chairman cited a recent Supreme Court judgment, referenced by FOSIECON’s Chairman, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, which nullified the Rivers State local government election due to procedural flaws. He condemned a recent case where a state electoral commission issued a mere 21-day notice for polls, describing it as “a violation of the law and a practical impossibility.”
“How can political parties conduct primaries, nominate candidates, and campaign within 21 days?” Yakubu asked. “How can electoral officials recruit staff, organise logistics, and ensure security in such a short time? It is unworkable. SIECs must comply with statutory timelines to avoid legal setbacks and ensure credible elections.”
Earlier, FOSIECON’s chairman, Hon. Eri, had appealed for INEC’s support in technical assistance, capacity building, and knowledge sharing. He acknowledged the financial constraints faced by state electoral bodies, which hinder their ability to meet the 360-day requirement.
“Most state laws mandate only a 90-day notice, but the Supreme Court’s ruling aligns with INEC’s 360-day standard for the FCT,” Eri said. “The challenge is harmonising these laws while addressing funding gaps. Many SIECs lack the resources for extensive logistics, voter education, and staff training. If INEC can help advocate for financial autonomy for SIECs, we will see significant improvements.”
Professor Yakubu, however, maintained that proper planning remains non-negotiable. He revealed that INEC had already released the timetable for the 2026 FCT Area Council elections, adhering to the 360-day notice as prescribed by law.
“Elections cannot be credible without adequate preparation,” he insisted. “FOSIECON, as the umbrella body for SIECs, must ensure its members comply with these timelines. The Supreme Court’s position is clear, and we must all respect it.”
The meeting ended with a reaffirmation of partnership between INEC and FOSIECON, though the financial and legal hurdles facing state-level elections remain unresolved. As Nigeria strives to strengthen its electoral process, the call for standardised, well-planned local government polls grows louder—with INEC’s FCT model serving as the benchmark.
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