A group of community leaders championing local government autonomy has condemned the recently concluded Kwara State LG elections, describing the process as a “charade” lacking transparency and fairness.
The group, led by Abdullatif Kunle Ajeigbe, the Aare Bobaselu of Offa, in a statement on Monday advocated true financial and administrative independence for local councils.
Speaking on the elections, Ajeigbe expressed disappointment over the conduct of the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWIESEC), stating that the results were compromised by state interference.
According to him, the elections failed to reflect the will of the people and highlighted the need for immediate reforms to restore credibility to local governance.
“The entire process was marred by state interference and lacked the fairness and transparency that true democracy demands,” Ajeigbe declared.
He argued that “this election was nothing short of a farce, and it reinforces the urgent need for genuine local government autonomy”.
The group, however, lauded President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to local government reforms, citing the July 2024 Supreme Court judgment that granted financial autonomy to local councils.
“The ruling effectively stripped state governors of control over funds meant for local governments, directing that allocations be paid directly to the councils without interference.”
Ajeigbe praised the ruling as a significant victory for grassroots democracy, noting that it was a critical step in addressing the long-standing issue of state governors’ grip on local councils.
“The Supreme Court’s verdict was clear and unequivocal. Local governments must receive their funds directly and manage them without any interference from the state,” he said.
“This is a victory for democracy, accountability, and good governance at the grassroots level.”
Ajeigbe, however, accused state governors of publicly endorsing the ruling while secretly opposing it.
“Governors may claim to support financial autonomy for local councils, but their actions speak otherwise,” he stated.
The group also called on the National Assembly to take legislative action to transfer the responsibility of conducting local government elections from State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The group also expressed gratitude to well-meaning individuals who have supported their cause.
Ajeigbe was quick to clarify that the group harbours no ill-will toward the Kwara State government, insisting that their demands were rooted in a desire for fairness and transparency in governance.