The Truth About Nigeria’s Local Elections — Barr. Elimihele Breaks Silence

Abuja — Legal practitioner and political commentator, Barrister Elvis Elimihele, has raised concerns over the credibility of local government elections across Nigeria, describing them as extensions of state-level political dominance rather than genuine democratic contests.

Speaking during a VOP TV in-house analysis, Elimihele noted that Nigeria’s federal system clearly defines the responsibilities of the federal, state, and local governments. However, he argued that political control at the state level has turned local council elections into mere formalities.

“In Nigeria’s federal system, each level of government — federal, state, and local — has its own functions. However, from the state down to the local government, the same political trend continues: once a state is controlled by a particular party, whether PDP or APC, all local government elections in that state are almost always won by the ruling party,” he explained.

He described the pattern as a major obstacle to grassroots democracy, saying that it undermines the independence of local governments and prevents citizens from truly exercising their choice at the community level.

Elimihele urged the federal government and the judiciary to strengthen electoral institutions and ensure that state electoral commissions operate with full autonomy and transparency.

“Until we have genuine competition at the local level, democracy in Nigeria will remain incomplete,” he added.