From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has stated that the poor conduct of local government elections is undermining democracy in Nigeria.
Abbas made this remark while declaring open a national dialogue on Local Government and Constitution Amendment, organised by the House Committee on Constitution Review, on Monday in Abuja.
Represented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Abbas expressed concerns over the integrity of grassroots governance, citing instances where the ruling party wins all available seats during local government elections.
He noted, “When elections are characterised by a lack of competitiveness—where the ruling party sweeps all positions—it becomes evident that we are witnessing a mockery of democratic principles.
“This scenario is not merely an embarrassment; it poses a significant threat to our democracy. It fosters an environment where undesirable elements infiltrate these councils, often lacking the necessary capacity and vision to govern effectively. Consequently, local governments become mere appendages of state governments or pawns in the hands of so-called godfathers who manipulate political outcomes for their own gain.”
In a speech delivered on his behalf by House Leader Professor Julius Ihonvbere, Kalu emphasised that the dialogue provided an opportunity for stakeholders to deepen their understanding of issues relating to local government autonomy.
He stated, “The focus areas for this dialogue—ranging from financial and administrative autonomy to constitutional amendments—are not just technical necessities; they are foundational to a governance system that is equitable, inclusive, and accountable.
“Achieving these reforms will require a coordinated effort among federal and state governments, lawmakers, judicial bodies, civil society organisations, traditional leaders, and local communities. This national dialogue offers us an invaluable opportunity to deepen our understanding, align our strategies, and build a coalition of stakeholders who will champion this cause at every level.”