Independent Observers Question INEC’s Role in Local Government Elections
An independent observer group has raised concerns about the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in conducting local government elections. The Forum of Independent Election Observers of Nigeria (FIEON) made this statement after monitoring the chairmanship and councillorship elections held on 1 November 2025 across 25 local government areas in Niger State.
The group, which addressed journalists in Minna following the election, emphasized that while the local government elections are critical, there were significant discrepancies between the results announced by INEC and the observations made by the electorate.
Dr. Lazarus Nwachukwu, the team delegation leader, highlighted the importance of a transparent and open electoral process. He stated:
“From my heart of my heart, I have named places where we have observed elections, and we have agreed that local government election is a critical election and it is demanding for a robust, transparent and highly open way to be conducted. And I think that this is what we are working on.”
Nwachukwu also pointed out that previous calls to transfer the responsibility of conducting elections to INEC were based on the hope for greater transparency. However, he noted that even the elections conducted by INEC have faced criticism and accusations of inaccuracy.
“So, as a nation, where do we start? We are holding the responsibility of the local government election to say that whatever we have seen here and are reporting on is, to the best of our ability, our own position. And any other thing contradictory to that is not our position,” he declared.
The observer group mentioned that their report is a preliminary result and that a full report will be released to the public at a later date. This report will provide a comprehensive overview of the election’s conduct and any irregularities observed.
To ensure thorough coverage, the group divided itself into three teams, each responsible for monitoring one of the three senatorial zones in Niger State: Niger South, Niger East, and Niger North. In addition, the observers visited the state offices of INEC and the security agencies to assess the overall environment of the election.
Commendations for the Election Conduct
Despite the concerns raised, the group acknowledged the efforts of the Niger State government, the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC), and the electorate in ensuring the successful conduct of the election.
“The members of the delegation to Niger State wish to commend the state government, NSIEC, and the electorate for the successful conduct of the November 1, 2025, Local Government elections in Niger State,” Nwachukwu said.
This acknowledgment highlights the positive aspects of the election process, even as the group continues to advocate for a more transparent and accountable system.
Key Takeaways from the Observers’ Report
- Critical Nature of Local Elections: The observers emphasized the importance of local government elections in shaping community governance and policy.
- Need for Transparency: There is a clear call for a more transparent and open electoral process to build public trust.
- Challenges with INEC: Despite previous efforts to hand over election responsibilities to INEC, the commission still faces accusations of inaccuracy and lack of transparency.
- Collaborative Monitoring Efforts: The division of the observer group into three teams ensured comprehensive coverage of all regions in Niger State.
- Positive Recognition: The group commended the efforts of the state government, INEC, and voters for the successful conduct of the election.
Conclusion
The Forum of Independent Election Observers of Nigeria has called for a reevaluation of the current electoral framework, particularly regarding the role of INEC in local government elections. While they recognized the efforts of various stakeholders, they remain concerned about the accuracy and transparency of the process. Their findings underscore the need for continuous improvement in electoral practices to ensure fair and credible outcomes.