PeakNews Online
In the wake of last Thursday’s Supreme Court ruling prohibiting federal allocations to local councils run by caretaker committees, 13 states have announced dates for their local government elections.
This decision affects states including Kaduna, Kogi, Bauchi, Katsina, Osun, Enugu, Benue, Rivers, Jigawa, Imo, Kebbi, Abia, and Anambra.
The Supreme Court’s landmark judgment, delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, declared it unconstitutional for state governors to withhold funds allocated to local government councils. The court ruled that the 774 local government councils in Nigeria should manage their funds independently. This ruling came in response to the suit SC/CV/343/2024, filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, against the 36 state governors.
The apex court emphasized that government is divided into three tiers: federal, state, and local governments. It stated that state governments have no authority to appoint caretaker committees, asserting that only democratically elected local government councils are legitimate. Justice Agim declared, “A democratically elected local government is sacrosanct and non-negotiable.”
Following the ruling, the Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, along with the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, scheduled a meeting with Federal Accounts and Allocation Committee officials to discuss the implementation of the verdict.
States Announce Election Dates
Kaduna: The Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KAD-SIECOM) has set October 19, 2024, for its council elections. Chairperson Hajara Mohammed announced the date during a meeting with political parties and stakeholders.
Kogi: The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission has also scheduled its local government elections for October 19. Chairman Mamman Eri detailed a comprehensive timetable to ensure a transparent and fair electoral process.
Bauchi: The Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission will hold its local government elections on August 19. Chairman Ahmad Makama assured citizens of a credible and transparent election process.
Other states have similarly set dates: Enugu on October 5, Benue on November 16, Kebbi on August 31, Rivers on October 5, Kwara and Imo on September 21, Katsina in February 2025, and Osun on February 22, 2025.
Ondo State Postpones Election
In contrast, the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission has postponed its local government elections, citing non-compliance by political parties with the election guidelines. This marks the second postponement after initial dates in February and July 2024 were also deferred.
Chairman Dr. Joseph Aremo expressed regret over the lack of compliance, stating, “No single party complied with the guidelines for the election.” The commission will reconvene to establish a new date.
The Inter-party Advisory Council in Ondo acknowledged the delay, with its chairman, Adesanya Olaoluwa, noting that political parties want to discuss the situation with the governor.
The People’s Democratic Party in Ondo accused the All Progressives Congress of losing popularity, suggesting this as the reason for the election’s postponement.
As these states prepare for their local government elections, the emphasis remains on ensuring democratic processes and adherence to constitutional mandates, as reinforced by the recent Supreme Court ruling.
