In a recent statement, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, criticized state governors for undermining the integrity of local government elections. Prof. Yakubu claimed that these elections have been reduced to mere coronations, lacking genuine democratic processes.
Speaking at a forum on electoral reform, Prof. Yakubu expressed his concerns over the growing trend of state interference in local government polls. “Governors have turned local government elections into mere coronations, stripping them of their democratic essence,” he said.
He emphasized that the manipulation of local elections by state executives not only erodes public trust in the electoral process but also hampers grassroots development. According to Prof. Yakubu, the practice of imposing candidates undermines the principles of democracy and deprives citizens of their right to choose their local representatives freely.
The INEC Chairman called for urgent reforms to ensure the independence and credibility of local government elections. He advocated for the establishment of legal frameworks that would protect the electoral process from undue influence and guarantee transparency.
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Prof. Yakubu’s remarks have sparked discussions among political analysts and civil society groups, who share his concerns about the state of local democracy in Nigeria. Many are urging for immediate action to address these issues and restore confidence in the electoral system.
As the debate continues, the call for reform is growing louder, with stakeholders emphasizing the need to safeguard the democratic process at all levels of government.
