The house of Representatives has taken preliminary steps to strip State independent electoral commissions of the power to conduct local government elections.

A bill to that effect passed its first reading on the floor of the House last Thursday. Sponsored by the member representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency, Imo state, IKENGA UGOCHINYERE, alongside 24 others, the bill seeks to delete Section 98 (1) of the Electoral Act and replace it with a new sub-section.

Some Nigerians, including federal lawmakers, have been vocal in their demand for INEC to take over the conduct of council elections, citing the influence and control of state governors over local governments.