The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has called for financial autonomy for States Independent Electoral Commissions SIECs, saying they cannot be truly independent if they have to depend on the magnanimity of states chief executives to discharge their mandates.

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu made the call in Abuja during a meeting of the Commission with the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria FOSIECON.

Professor Yakubu urged the SIECs to ensure timely conduct of free and credible councils’ elections across the country.