INEC Warns States Against Issuing Illegal 21-Day Notice for Local Government Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a strong warning to State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) against announcing local government elections with only 21 days’ notice, stating that such a move is a clear violation of the Electoral Act 2022 and a standing judgment of the Supreme Court. Speaking during a meeting with members of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions (FOSIECON) in Abuja, INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, expressed serious concern over the recurring pattern of rushed local government election announcements, which, he said, undermines the legality and credibility of the process. According to Professor Yakubu, the 21-day notice issued by some SIECs for upcoming local government elections falls far below the minimum period required by law and contradicts judicial interpretation provided by the Supreme Court. He emphasized that such short timelines do not allow for proper conduct of party primaries, nomination of candidates, voter sensitization, recruitment and training of ad-hoc staff, or coordination with security agencies. While INEC does not organize local government elections in the states—except in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)—the Commission plays a crucial role by providing the register of voters, list of polling units, and names of political parties to state electoral bodies. Professor Yakubu noted that INEC consistently fulfills these responsibilities, but SIECs must also ensure they operate within the bounds of the law. Using the FCT as an example of compliance, the INEC Chairman pointed out that the timetable for the area council elections was released more than 360 days before the election date, giving all stakeholders ample time to prepare. He urged state electoral commissions to adopt a similar approach to guarantee inclusive, transparent, and legally sound elections. Yakubu further stressed that ignoring statutory timelines and court rulings poses a threat to electoral credibility and democratic stability. He called on SIECs to respect the provisions of the Electoral Act and comply with judicial decisions, warning that any attempt to sidestep these legal frameworks may attract consequences. INEC reaffirmed its readiness to continue working with state electoral commissions by sharing technical support and best practices to enhance the conduct of credible grassroots elections across the country.