Legal Challenges May Hinder Akwa Ibom LG Polls in 2024: AKISIEC Chairman

The chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC), Elder Aniedi Ikoiwak, has expressed concerns that the local government elections scheduled for December 2024 may not hold due to legal challenges.

According to Ikoiwak, unless the relevant sections of the laws that established the commission are amended to be in sync with the Electoral Act 2022, as amended, the conduct of the exercise could be hampered.

Ikoiwak highlighted the incongruent legal frameworks guiding the commission’s activities since its creation, which could constrain the body’s quest to conduct and deliver the polls efficiently.

He spoke on the theme, “Emerging Issues in Conducting Elections in Nigeria, Elections Security: Before, During, and After the Elections and the Legal Framework for LG Elections in Akwa Ibom,” during a two-day training/enlightenment exercise for the 2024 local government elections in Uyo.

Under the AKISIEC Law of 2007, the commission is an election management body (EMB) empowered to organize, conduct, and supervise local government elections and render advice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the compilation of voters’ registers, among other responsibilities.

Ikoiwak emphasized the importance of addressing these legal challenges to ensure the smooth and efficient conduct of the local government elections in Akwa Ibom.

By addressing these issues, the commission can focus on delivering a transparent and credible electoral process that reflects the will of the people.

As the local government elections approach, it is crucial for the relevant authorities to consider the concerns raised by the AKISIEC chairman and take the necessary steps to amend the legal frameworks.

This will not only ensure the successful conduct of the polls but also strengthen the democratic process in the state.