By Solomon OKPO | The Evangelist News Desk
The Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) has commenced preliminary preparations for the conduct of the 2027 Local Government elections, calling on political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to support a peaceful, free, fair and credible electoral process.
The Commission disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting with chairmen and secretaries of registered political parties and other relevant stakeholders in the state, where it outlined its vision, immediate priorities and proposed electoral activities ahead of the 2027 council polls.
In a welcome address delivered by its Secretary and Officer Covering Duties for the Board Chairman, Dr. Uduak Udoh, MNIM, AKISIEC described the recent enactment of the AKISIEC Law 2026, following its endorsement by Governor Umo Eno, Ph.D., as a significant step towards strengthening democratic governance and preparing the state for another round of local government elections in 2027.
Dr. Udoh explained that the meeting was convened to intimate stakeholders about the Commission’s initial electoral plans, provide opportunities for constructive engagement and obtain public input on the electoral process at the grassroots level.
According to her, AKISIEC is committed to becoming one of the best election management bodies in Nigeria through the conduct of credible elections into local government councils, provision of relevant electoral guidelines and collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on matters relating to the voters’ register.
She identified the immediate priorities of the Commission to include a review of the legal framework governing local government elections, sustained stakeholder consultations, issuance of the Notice of Elections and development of the 2027 Election Project Plan, timetable, guidelines and regulations.
Citing Section 28(1) and Part V, Section 24(2) of the Electoral Act 2026 and AKISIEC Law 2026 respectively, the Secretary noted that the Commission is required to publish the Notice of Elections not later than 300 days before the appointed election date.
She stressed that the statutory requirement makes it imperative for the Commission to commence necessary preparations without delay, adding that the publication of the election notice would serve as a major starting point for the electoral activities leading to the 2027 polls.
The AKISIEC official also recalled the July 2024 Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy, which affirmed the importance of democratically elected local government councils and discouraged the continued reliance on caretaker committees.
She therefore urged political parties, security agencies, relevant government institutions, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, the media and the electorate to approach the electoral process with open minds and a shared commitment to democratic development.
Dr. Udoh emphasised that peaceful participation, respect for the rule of law and acceptance of legitimate electoral outcomes were essential ingredients for strengthening democracy and ensuring public confidence in the electoral system.
She further stated that the AKISIEC Law 2026 aligns with Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to credible elections and inclusive political participation, irrespective of gender, age, social status or physical ability.
According to her, the Commission is determined to ensure that eligible voters across the state’s 4,353 electoral units, 369 wards and 31 local government areas are given equal opportunities to exercise their franchise freely and without discrimination.
She described local government as the tier of government closest to the people, stressing that credible elections at that level remain essential to giving citizens a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their everyday lives.
The Secretary expressed appreciation to representatives of registered political parties, government officials, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media and other stakeholders for honouring the Commission’s invitation, while calling for their continued cooperation towards the successful conduct of the 2027 Local Government elections.
