FUBARA’s GAMBLE: LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS WITHOUT INEC’s VOTERS REGISTER By Pius Ade Babaleye 

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By Pius Ade Babaleye

The announcement that Governor Fubara intends to conduct local government elections without using the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) voters’ register is not just unusual—it is audacious. If he goes through with it, I doff my hat to him for his sheer nerve. However, this move raises serious legal and governance concerns that cannot be overlooked.

Conducting a local government election without the proper voters’ register is a bold but legally questionable step. According to the Supreme Court ruling, such an election would not be recognized by the Federal Government. Why? Because the law is clear—INEC must provide the voters’ register for any legitimate election. If this crucial requirement is ignored, the elected officials cannot be considered products of the law. This would automatically place the legitimacy of the local government chairmen in question.

So, what does this mean for Governor Fubara and his appointees? In short, it means that no allocation from the federal purse will go to these unelected chairmen. The Supreme Court has firmly stated that funds meant for local governments cannot be disbursed to unelected officials. Fubara may have to share state funds with his handpicked chairmen, effectively governing these local governments without federal recognition.

Such a decision would not only isolate these local governments from federal support but also put immense pressure on the state’s finances. By taking this gamble, Fubara may be sending a message that he is willing to operate outside conventional norms, relying solely on his state resources. The long-term consequences could, however, be damaging both for his administration and the local governments themselves.

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Governor Fubara’s readiness to proceed without legal recognition reflects either a calculated risk or a disregard for the rule of law. Either way, if he goes ahead with this, it will be a historic move—though whether for better or worse remains to be seen.

Bravo, Fubara, for your boldness. But the question remains: Will this gamble pay off, or will it prove costly in the end? Only time will tell.