The Commission was established in accordance with section 153(f) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The functions of the Commission as stipulated in Part I of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution are as listed below:
- Organize, undertake and supervise all elections to the offices of the President and Vice-president, the Governor and Deputy Governor of a state, and to the membership of the Senate, the House of Representatives and the House of Assembly of each State of the Federation.
- Register political parties in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution and an act of the National Assembly.
- Monitor the organization and operation of the political parties, including their finances.
- Arrange for the annual examination and auditing of the funds and accounts of political parties, and publish a report on such examination and audit for public information.
- Arrange and conduct the registration of persons qualified to vote as well as prepare, maintain and revise the register of voters for the purpose of any election under this Constitution.
- Monitors political campaigns and provide rules and regulations, which shall govern the political parties.
- Ensure that all Electoral Commissioners, Electoral and Returning officers take and subscribe to the oath of office prescribed by law.
- Delegate any of its powers to any Resident Electoral Commissioners.
