Local Governments in Nigeria Need Electoral Reform to Function Independently

A former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, George Moghalu, has criticized state electoral commissions in Nigeria for failing to conduct independent and unbiased elections, hindering the autonomy of local governments. Moghalu, a former National Auditor of the All Progressives Congress, made these remarks on a socio-political program aired on Channels Television on Sunday.

According to Moghalu, the electoral system that brings local government chairmen into office needs to be addressed. He argued that the current system, controlled by state governments, has failed to deliver independent and unbiased elections. In his words, "Show me a state where SIEC conducted an election and the party of the governor did not win all the local governments including all councillor seats. So the purpose is defeated."

Moghalu emphasized the importance of governance at the local and state levels, stating that good governance would reduce pressure on the Federal Government. He also criticized the political class, saying they have not justified the confidence reposed in them by the people. "The political class needs to come to reality," he said, adding that the hardship in the land is "worrisome".

In July, the Supreme Court granted financial autonomy to local governments, ordering the Federal Government to pay 20.60% of the monthly allocation of the 774 local governments directly to their exclusive accounts, rather than to accounts controlled by governors. Since then, about 15 states have announced or held local government elections.

Moghalu’s comments highlight the need for electoral reform in Nigeria to ensure the autonomy of local governments. Without independent and unbiased elections, local governments will continue to be controlled by state governments, undermining their ability to function effectively.