A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Abayomi Nurain Mumuni has declared expressed his support for the establishment of Local Government Electoral Commission as passed the Senate.
Mumuni notes that establishment of the commission will go a long way to ensure transparent and fair elections at the local government level.
The APC stalwart made the declaration in a statement signed by his media aide, Rasheed Abubakar, and made available to newsmen on Friday.
It would be recalled that a Bill introduced by Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, passed through first reading on Thursday, seeks the establishment of local government electoral commission.
In his lead debate on the Bill, Mumuni noted that the commission will help to ensure fair and transparent elections across jurisdictions.
Musa, who said that the electoral commission will help to ensure credibility and legitimacy of local government elections, added that if established, the commission will help to increase public trust in the whole process.
“One of the primary advantages is that it ensures fair and transparent elections within the jurisdiction. The commission will be responsible for overseeing the electoral process, including voters’ registration, candidates’ nominations, and the conduct of elections.
“By having a dedicated body like a local government electoral commission, there would be a higher level of expertise and specialization in managing elections specifically at the local level. This can lead to more efficient and effective electoral processes, reducing the likelihood of errors or irregularities in the voting process.
“Moreover, a local government electoral commission can help build trust and confidence in the electoral system among residents of the local community. Knowing that there is an independent body overseeing the electoral process can increase public trust in the fairness and integrity of local elections.
“Additionally, having a local government electoral commission can promote greater accountability in the electoral process. These commissions are tasked with ensuring that elections are conducted in accordance with laws and regulations, holding individuals or entities accountable for any violations or misconduct during the election process.
“Furthermore, a local government electoral commission can help to promote civic engagement and participation in local elections. By providing information on voters’ registration, candidates’ requirements, and election procedures.
“They can empower residents to take part in the democratic process and make informed choices when voting. Overall, the presence of a local government electoral commission contributes to the overall credibility and legitimacy of local elections, fostering a more robust democratic system at the grassroots level,” the senator said.
