In the wake of a landmark Supreme Court ruling, 13 Nigerian states have hurriedly scheduled local government elections. This ruling, delivered last Thursday, declared the administration of local government funds by caretaker committees unconstitutional, mandating that these councils be run by democratically elected officials.
Supreme Court’s Landmark Decision
The Supreme Court’s decision, delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, emphasized the autonomy of the 774 local government councils in Nigeria. It prohibited state governors from appropriating local government funds and appointing caretaker committees. The judgment stemmed from a suit filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) against the 36 state governors, asserting that local governments must independently manage their funds and be governed by elected officials.
Immediate Electoral Responses
States including Kaduna, Kogi, Bauchi, Katsina, Osun, Enugu, Benue, Rivers, Jigawa, Imo, Kebbi, Abia, and Anambra have initiated preparations for council polls. Notably:
- Kaduna State has scheduled its elections for October 19, 2024. The Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECOM) confirmed this date, ensuring the process aligns with constitutional requirements.
- Kogi State announced its elections for the same day, with a comprehensive timetable designed to ensure a transparent and fair electoral process.
- Bauchi State set its local government elections for August 19, 2024, with assurances of a free and fair election from the state electoral commission.
Other States’ Plans
Several other states have also fixed their election dates:
- Enugu: October 5
- Benue: November 16
- Kebbi: August 31
- Rivers: October 5
- Kwara and Imo: September 21
- Katsina: February
- Osun: February 22, 2025
Ondo State’s Postponement
In contrast, Ondo State has postponed its local government elections due to non-compliance with electoral guidelines by political parties. This marks the second postponement, as earlier dates in February and July 2024 were also deferred.
Moving Forward
The Supreme Court’s ruling has fundamentally reshaped the governance of local councils in Nigeria. The move towards democratically elected councils is expected to enhance accountability and ensure the proper management of local government funds. As states rush to comply with the ruling, the upcoming elections will mark a significant shift in the political landscape, promoting greater local government autonomy and democratic governance.
