- The party cited institutional flaws, fraudulent practices as root causes of electoral issues.
- It also asked Nigerians to protest against bill to protect democracy from federal manipulation.
The New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) has vehemently opposed the Senate’s proposed bill to establish a local government election commission, labeling it a “malicious attempt to undermine democracy.”
This bill, sponsored by Senator Sani Musa, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, has already passed its first reading and aims to create an autonomous body overseeing local government elections nationwide.
According to Ladipo Johnson, NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, the idea of a federal agency conducting local elections is inconceivable and would only exacerbate the existing chaotic election process.
Johnson harped that granting federal powers to such an agency would compromise its integrity and ultimately harm democracy.
Johnson stated, “arrogating Federal powers to such an agency can only compound an already chaotic and crisis-prone election process… it would never serve a good purpose but rather destroy whatever was left of the nation’s beleaguered democracy.”
He also expressed concern that the federal authority would likely abuse this power.
The NNPP noted that the country’s electoral issues stem from institutional flaws and fraudulent practices, not a need for new agencies.
The party added that instead, a change in attitude among those operating the system is necessary.
Johnson urged Nigerians to protest against the bill, warning that its passage would further encumber democracy and enable federal powers to manipulate the electoral process.
He concluded, “anything their infectious fingers touch becomes corrosive.”