The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Nigeria’s 36 state governors to disclose comprehensive details about the chairpersons and members of the State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs).
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This includes their qualifications, political affiliations, if any, and the procedures for their appointments.
In a Freedom of Information request dated June 1, 2024, signed by SERAP’s deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization also urged governors to reveal the results of local government elections held in their states since 1999, as well as the voters’ register for these elections.
SERAP emphasized the importance of transparency and adherence to constitutional and international standards regarding the conduct of periodic local government elections.
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They requested governors to explain how their states have complied with these standards, including any relevant laws governing such elections.
This appeal follows remarks by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who recently criticized local government elections as mere formalities that coronate candidates of ruling parties.
SERAP’s letter highlights concerns about the integrity of the electoral process, citing alleged interference by state governors in the operations of SIECs, which they claim undermines the public’s trust and confidence in the system.
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“Governors have a constitutional duty to ensure that independent electoral commissions conduct local government elections fairly and impartially,” SERAP stated. They warned that if the governors do not comply with their requests within seven days, the organization would pursue legal actions to enforce compliance.
The letter further condemned the secrecy surrounding the appointment of SIEC officials and the manipulation of local government elections, which they argue has compromised the democratic process and the citizens’ right to participate in their government.
SERAP urged state governors to foster conditions that promote citizen participation and uphold the independence and impartiality of SIECs, aligning with both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights treaties.
“The effectiveness and credibility of local government elections are contingent on the independence and transparency of SIECs,” SERAP concluded, stressing the necessity for these commissions to be free from political influence to maintain public trust in the electoral process.
