The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has urged Nigeria’s 36 state governors to disclose comprehensive details about their State Independent Electoral Commissions, SIECs, to promote transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
In a statement released on Sunday, SERAP called on the governors to promptly provide key information about the chairpersons and members of the SIECs, including their qualifications, any political affiliations, and the procedures used for their appointment.
SERAP also stressed the need for the governors to publish detailed reports on the outcomes of local government elections held since 1999, along with the corresponding voters’ registers.
Additionally, the organization requested clarification on whether the states comply with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999, as amended, and international standards for conducting periodic local government elections.
SERAP highlighted concerns raised by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who recently criticized local government elections in various states as being mere formalities that favour ruling party candidates.
In a Freedom of Information request dated June 1, 2024, and signed by SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization emphasized the constitutional duty of state governors to ensure the independence of electoral commissions and the fair and impartial conduct of local government elections.
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Expressing dismay over reported interference by state governors in the operations of SIECs, SERAP highlighted the detrimental impact such actions have on the fundamental right of Nigerian citizens to participate effectively in governance.
“The reported interference by state governors in the operations of SIECs and apparent manipulation of local government elections is incompatible with Nigerians’ right to effectively participate in their government,” it said.
In the pursuit of transparency and accountability, SERAP urged the governors to heed the call for action within seven days, failing which the organization threatened legal recourse to compel compliance in the public interest.
Drawing attention to the escalating crisis undermining the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process, SERAP emphasized the imperative of conducting elections under the auspices of truly independent and impartial electoral bodies, by constitutional provisions and international standards.
In light of the erosion of public trust and confidence in local government elections, the group urged state governors to prioritize the integrity, credibility, and independence of SIECs, thereby restoring faith in the electoral process and upholding the principles of democracy.
Furthermore, it highlighted systemic challenges plaguing SIECs, ranging from lack of capacity and independence to inadequate resources and improper constitution, emphasizing the urgent need for reform to safeguard electoral integrity and ensure the effective functioning of these crucial institutions.
