The House of Representatives has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to relocate its Local Government Area (LGA) offices to secure and neutral locations. This resolution was passed during a recent plenary session, following a motion sponsored by Sunday Nnamchi from Enugu State.
The move aims to ensure the safety and impartiality of INEC’s operations, particularly in areas where its presence may be contentious. This development highlights the legislature’s focus on promoting credible and peaceful electoral processes.
In recent years, INEC offices have been attacked by hoodlums, with electoral materials set ablaze.
Moving the motion, Nnamchi said the majority of the INEC’s local government offices are currently situated within the headquarters of area councils.
The legislator said this is “potentially hampering and compromising the independence” of INEC in the conduct of elections.
“This proximity exposes INEC to manipulation and control by council chairmen, particularly in areas dominated by a single political party,” he said.
“This impedes INEC’s impartiality as enshrined in section 6 of the Electoral Act 2022.
“There is a need to maintain public trust and confidence in the electoral process.”
The motion went undebated and received a unanimous ‘ayes’ when Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house, put it to a voice vote.
Consequently, the house asked INEC to make “adequate provision” in the 2025 budget proposal to accommodate the relocation of its offices from LGAs to “secure and neutral” areas.
The house mandated relevant committees to ensure compliance and report within four weeks for further
legislative action.
