Kehinde Fajobi
The House of Representatives Committee on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on the electoral body to move its offices away from local government headquarters to more neutral and secure locations.
This recommendation followed a motion presented by Hon. Sunday Nnamchi, highlighting concerns that the current setup compromises electoral integrity.
The matter was subsequently referred to the House Committee on INEC for further action.
Speaking at a public hearing at the National Assembly Complex, committee chairman Adebayo Balogun emphasised the need for state governors to allocate land for INEC to construct dedicated offices.
“There must be communication between either INEC or the committee, through members or through the state governors, to provide land. If people are talking about it, it will happen,” Balogun said.
He noted that increased advocacy is essential for addressing the issue promptly, adding, “I never knew we had this kind of situation, even in Lagos. I think we should be able to solve these problems very, very fast.”
INEC Chairman Prof Mahmood Yakubu explained the challenges of locating offices.
He said many were initially built in isolated areas but were later surrounded by urbanisation, posing security risks.
“For example, in Abeokuta South, we worked with security agencies to relocate shops that enveloped our office. We strongly suspect one of these locations was used to launch a device that destroyed the local government office,” Yakubu said.
He added that while proximity to populated areas is crucial for accessibility, it also heightens security risks, leaving the Commission in a dilemma.
“Some offices may require relocation, but we don’t always have the luxury of alternate facilities,” he noted.
Yakubu assured the public that INEC is assessing relocation needs and working towards enhanced security measures for its operations nationwide.