Just in: Nasarawa to hold LGC elections November 2nd, 2024— NASIEC Chairman

By David Odama

Nasarawa State Independent Electorial Commission ( NASIEC) Wednesday slated November 2nd this year as for the conduct of Local Councils Elections in the state .

Chairman of the Commission, Barrister Ayuba Wandai Usman announced the date for the conduct of the election during a meeting with officials of the Inter Party Advisory Council ( IPAC) in Lafia

Barrister Wandai explained that the decision by the commission to fix the council polls in November 2nd this year was as a result of the withdrawal of litigations filed in the Makurdi Division of the Appeal count by one Paul A.

He disclosed that the Commission having after studied and analyzing the judgement of the Federal High Court Lafia decided to issue a Notice of Election and slated the conduct of the 2024 Local Government Councils Elections to hold on 2nd November, 2024

“You will recall that the Commission conducted the last Local Government Councils Elections on Wednesday 6th October, 2021 and the present Local Government Councils Officials were sworn-in and inaugurated on Friday 8th October, 2021 for a tenure of three (3) years which will end on Monday 7th October, 2024.

“You will also recall that in compliance with Extant Laws, the Commission had earlier issued a Notice of Election for the conduct of the 2024 Local Government Councils Elections on 31st August, 2023 and also fixed Saturday 31st August, 2024 for the conduct of the elections.

However, the Commission was served with an Originating Summons by the Federal High Court, Lafia in a matter filed by one Paul A. John, Esq. and 12 Others against the Nasarawa State House of Assembly and the Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission, challenging Section 8(e) of the Nasarawa State Local Government Election Law, 2018 and Sections 3j, 3k and 9 of the Local Government Councils Elections Guidelines, 2024.

“As a law-abiding institution that has continued to promote adherence to Laws, Rules and Regulations governing the conduct of Local Government Councils Elections in Nasarawa State, the Commission decided to postpone indefinitely, all scheduled activities leading to the conduct of the 31st August, 2024 Local Government Councils Elections.

Having had our day in court by emerging victorious, the court dismissed the suit and upheld all our contentions. The plaintiffs, being dissatisfied with the judgement, filed a Notice of Appeal at the Court of Appeal Makurdi but have suddenly filed a Notice of Withdrawal/Discontinuance of Notice of Appeal on Thursday 26th September, 2024 thus clearing the way for the conduct of the 2024 Local Government Councils Elections.

The commission Chairman who noted the contribution of IPAC in the activities of NASIEC, thanked the council for always demonstrating maturity, ensuring peace during local councils elections in the state .

“As key stakeholders in Local Government Councils Elections, the Inter Party Advisory Council has demonstrated maturity and exemplified peace and decorum in its affairs thus making the polity conducive for all stakeholders to partake without hindrance in the election process.

“Your continued belief in our ability as impartial umpires has been a source of joy and have continued to challenge us as a Commission to redouble our efforts in ensuring that we put in place credible and time-tested strategies in election management that will ensure free, fair, transparent and credible elections.

“We have chosen IPAC as the first to be informed because you are our most critical stakeholders in this project and it is our hope and belief that you will continue to support the Commission in delivering on our statutory mandate as always.

“As you are aware, the Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission is a law-abiding institution that has continued to promote adherence to Laws, Rules and Regulations governing the conduct of Local Government Councils Elections in Nasarawa State.”Barrister Wandai stated”, the commission Chairman declared.