Governors Must Ensure Transparency In SIEC, Says SERAP

Governors Must Ensure Transparency In SIEC, Says SERAP....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

SERAP, a Nigerian socio-economic rights and accountability organization, has called upon all 36 state governors to disclose comprehensive details regarding the operations of the State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs). The aim is to foster transparency and accountability within the electoral process………..CONTINUE READING

In a statement released recently, SERAP emphasized the necessity for governors to provide information concerning the chairpersons and members of the SIECs, including their qualifications, political affiliations, and the processes of their appointment.

This move comes in response to concerns raised by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, who highlighted that local government elections in various states have become nominal exercises that disproportionately favor candidates from ruling parties.

In a Freedom of Information request dated June 1, 2024, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP’s deputy director, underlined the constitutional duty of state governors to uphold the independence and impartiality of electoral commissions for conducting fair local government elections.

SERAP has expressed worry over reported interference by state governors in SIEC operations, which it believes undermines Nigerians’ rights to effective participation in governance. The organization has warned of potential legal action if the requested information is not furnished within seven days.

This call for transparency is part of SERAP’s broader initiative to tackle the mounting crisis affecting the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process. It stresses the importance of conducting elections under truly independent and impartial bodies, as mandated by both the Nigerian Constitution and international norms.

Highlighting the significance of public access to information regarding the activities of public institutions, SERAP underscored the need for SIECs to maintain independence and neutrality, both in reality and perception. This, it argues, is vital for restoring confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and upholding democratic principles

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