The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to withhold allocations from Local Government Councils where elections were conducted, similar to the appointment of Caretaker Committees.
This followed the Senate’s condemnation of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission’s alleged blatant disregard for democratic principles during the Local Government Area Council elections held on October 5, 2024, which lawmakers described as a sham.
The resolution came after a motion by Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, representing Benue South, and co-sponsored by Senators Titus Zam (Benue North West), Emmanuel Udende (Benue North East), and Tony Nwoye (Anambra North).
Senator Moro highlighted that voters in Benue State and elsewhere waited for hours on election day without seeing election materials or officials at many polling stations.
He criticized the elections for taking place in the private homes of ruling Party leaders, turning the process into a mere coronation for their candidates.
Senator Emmanuel Udende from the ruling Party in Benue State concurred that no genuine Local Government elections occurred in Benue State and emphasized his commitment to truth over Party loyalty.
Senator Titus Zam described the elections as a charade and a political crime, lamenting that such practices undermine Nigeria’s ongoing struggles for democracy.
He pointed to Akwa Ibom, where even the Senate President reportedly could only secure his local Government in his state.
Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin remarked on the consistent lack of free and fair elections at the local level, noting that many citizens do not vote, and results are often announced well in advance.
He characterized the situation as a national and democratic calamity, calling for constitutional amendments to empower an independent body, such as INEC, to conduct elections, echoing practices from 1995.
Senator Ahmed Lawan added that complaints about the integrity of Local Government Elections have persisted for two decades, stating that the ruling party in the various States, consistently wins in their State.
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He emphasized that the National Assembly cannot address these issues alone and that State governors must also support any changes, especially if INEC is to take charge of Local Government Areas Council elections.
Several suggestions were made, including constitutional amendments to eliminate State Independent Electoral Commissions, among other legislative actions.
Ultimately, the Senate agreed to initiate an open national dialogue with stakeholders, particularly State governors, and to meet with President Bola Tinubu.
The Senate condemned the Benue State Local Government Council elections and called for fresh elections in areas where they were alleged not to have taken place.
The resolution followed an extensive debate on the full implementation of Local Government financial autonomy, during which the Senate spent over two hours exploring ways to enhance the credibility of Local Government Council elections in Nigeria.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
