The lack of autonomy in local government elections in Nigeria is a recurring concern among scholars and political analysts who view it as a significant barrier to genuine democracy at the grassroots level. Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, many state governors have retained control over local governments, treating them as personal fiefdoms rather than independent entities with elected representatives. The current legal framework contributes to this issue, as it places local elections under the jurisdiction of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) rather than the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), leaving the process vulnerable to manipulation by state governors.
This power dynamic often results in ruling parties winning sweeping victories in local elections, as seen in recent council polls across states like Edo, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers. Critics argue that these results reflect the influence of state governors, who typically appoint loyalists to local government positions to maintain political control and reward supporters, sidelining the broader electorate’s will.
Political voices, such as former Minister of Education Tunde Adeniran and political analyst Jackson Ojo, have called for reform, advocating for INEC’s takeover of local government elections. They argue that this change would ensure more credible elections, giving local governments a stronger voice and genuine representation. INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu has also voiced support for reforms, describing the state-controlled local elections as “mere coronations” and calling for a standardized, transparent process under INEC’s oversight.
There is growing momentum behind legislative efforts to restore autonomy to local governments, but achieving a truly representative system at the grassroots level will likely require both constitutional amendments and robust enforcement to prevent governors from monopolizing local governance.
