Electoral Bodies in Nigeria – JSS3 Civic Education Lesson Note (Third Term)

Electoral bodies are the organisations that conduct elections in Nigeria.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Name the two types of electoral bodies in Nigeria.
2. Describe the composition and roles of INEC and SIEC.
3. State the functions of INEC.
4. State the differences between INEC and SIEC.

What is an electoral body?

An electoral body is an organisation set up by law to organise, supervise and report on elections.

• Purpose: it makes sure elections are free, fair and peaceful.
• Independence: it should work without control from any political party or government official.
• Result: citizens accept the winners when the body is trusted.
• Election period: general elections in Nigeria take place every four years.

What are the types of electoral bodies in Nigeria?

There are two types of electoral bodies in Nigeria: the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC).

• INEC: organises federal and state elections for the whole country.
• SIEC: organises and supervises local government elections within one state.

What are the composition and roles of electoral bodies in Nigeria?

What is the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)?

INEC is a permanent body created by the constitution to organise federal and state elections in Nigeria.

• Importance: it is the main agent of democracy in Nigeria.
• Head: the overall head of INEC is called the chairman.
• Appointment: the chairman and members are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
• State offices: every state has a resident electoral commissioner who supervises the conduct of elections in the state.

What is the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC)?

SIEC is the body in each state that conducts local government elections.

• Elections: it organises, undertakes and supervises all elections to local government councils within a state.
• Voters’ register: it advises INEC on the compilation of the register of voters for local government elections.
• Appointment: the chairman and members are appointed by the state governor and confirmed by the State House of Assembly.

What are the functions of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)?

INEC has eight main functions, listed below.

1. Registration of political parties: it registers parties that meet the legal requirements.
2. Registration of voters: it registers eligible citizens and provides voters’ cards.
3. Registration of candidates: it accepts the names of candidates for elections.
4. Provision of electoral materials: it supplies items such as ballot papers and ballot boxes.
5. Counting of votes: it counts votes after elections.
6. Declaration of winners: it announces and declares the winners.
7. Voter education: it teaches people about democracy and the electoral process.
8. Division of constituencies: it divides the country into constituencies or electoral districts.

What are the functions of the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC)?

SIEC has two main functions at local government level.

1. Organise, undertake and supervise all elections to local government councils in the state.
2. Advise INEC on the register of voters used for local government elections.

What is the difference between INEC and SIEC?

INEC works for the whole country, while SIEC works only within its own state.

Evaluation

1. Mention five functions of INEC.
2. Mention the functions of SIEC.
3. Name the two types of electoral bodies in Nigeria.
4. Who supervises the conduct of elections in each state on behalf of INEC?

Assignment

Reading assignment

Fundamentals of Civic Education for JSS 3 by Sola Akinyemi, pages 41 to 42.

Weekend assignment

1. The overall head of INEC is called the
   A. Chairman B. President C. Governor D. Supervisor.
2. Electoral materials such as ballot boxes and ballot papers are provided by
   A. NAFDAC B. EFCC C. INEC D. NEMA.
3. Local government elections in a state are conducted by
   A. INEC B. SIEC C. NYSC D. NBC.
4. Elections in Nigeria take place every
   A. five years B. six years C. ten years D. four years.

Theory

1. Mention the types of electoral commissions in Nigeria.
2. Identify five functions of INEC.