Reps Decry LG Elections as a Mockery of Democracy

• The House of Representatives condemns local government elections by state governments, calling for urgent reforms to uphold democratic principles in Nigeria
• Speaker Abbas Tajuddeen criticizes the lack of competitiveness in local elections, warning that it undermines democracy and local governance integrity

The House of Representatives has condemned state governments’ conduct of local government elections, describing them as a distortion of democratic principles.

The lawmakers criticized these elections for undermining local government autonomy, emphasizing the urgent need for reform to uphold democracy.

Speaker Abbas Tajuddeen expressed concern over the lack of competitiveness in local elections during the National Dialogue on Local Government and Constitution Amendment organized by the House Committee on Constitution Review in Abuja.

“When elections are characterized by a lack of competitiveness—where the ruling party sweeps all positions—it becomes evident that we are witnessing a mockery of democratic principles,” Tajuddeen stated.

He warned that such practices not only weaken democracy but also compromise the integrity and functionality of local governance structures.

Tajuddeen outlined several critical issues plaguing local governments, including:

• Inadequate Funding: Local governments often operate on insufficient budgets, hampering their ability to fulfill responsibilities effectively.
• Lack of Autonomy: Frequent state government interference restricts local decision-making, stifling innovation and accountability.
• Capacity Deficits: Many local government officials lack the necessary skills and institutional support to govern efficiently, leading to poor service delivery and diminishing public trust.

He further criticized the subjugation of local governments to political godfathers who exploit the system for personal gain, reducing these administrations to mere extensions of state governments.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, speaking at the event, advocated for the financial independence of local governments, arguing that decentralized governance—despite potential inefficiencies—is preferable to centralized corruption.

“I have argued somewhere that if people say that local governments will steal money, we should have 774 thieves—each of the local governments producing one or two billionaires—than to have one big thief that steals everything,” Oshiomhole stated.

He emphasized the importance of character in governance and stressed the need for leaders with integrity to manage local government resources effectively.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who chairs the House Committee on Constitution Amendment, called for stakeholder collaboration to reform Nigeria’s local government system.

He highlighted the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to address the structural and functional challenges undermining local governance.