In a recent plenary session, the Senate has urged the executive branch to refrain from releasing funds to any local government where leadership is determined through selection rather than election. The Senate strongly disapproved of the local government elections conducted by various State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) across the country, labelling the outcomes as a severe violation of democratic principles.
The motion, raised by Senator Abba Moro from Benue South, addressed the controversial local government elections held on October 5, 2024. It highlighted widespread manipulation that undermined establishing truly representative local governments in Nigeria. Senator Moro pointed out that in many instances, elections were conducted in the private residences of ruling party leaders, effectively turning the process into a mere coronation rather than a legitimate election as intended by the 1999 Constitution.
He recounted the experience of voters who were often left waiting for hours without electoral materials or officials at polling stations despite their eagerness to participate in the elections. Where elections did occur, results were manipulated, denying rightful winners their certificates of return.
Senator Moro emphasised the crucial role of elections as the foundation of democracy, allowing citizens to choose their representatives. He lamented that the constitutional rights of citizens to vote and be voted for, as outlined in Sections 77 to 91 of the Constitution, have been severely compromised. During these elections, he called attention to the blatant disregard for Section 197 and the Third Schedule of the Constitution.
In response, the Senate condemned the actions of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission for failing to uphold democratic standards in the recent elections. They urged the Commission to hold elections in areas where voting did not occur and ensure that the people could elect their representatives.
Senators, including Dr Titus Tartangazam from Benue Northwest, voiced their unanimous support for the motion. He stressed that the matter transcends party lines, as it affects the citizens of Benue State who have expressed their grievances regarding the undemocratic practices at play.
The Senate President was reminded of the sacrifices made for democracy in Nigeria and the current erosion of those values by a select few leaders at the state level. Concerns were raised about the implications of such practices on the overall democratic process within the country.
Deputy Senate President Senator Jibril Barau also contributed, asserting the necessity for free and fair elections as a fundamental right of the people. He pointed out that the prevailing electoral environment is marred by pre-written results and a general apathy towards the electoral process, emphasising the need for reform.
There were calls for reconsidering the electoral framework to ensure that an independent body, such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), oversees elections at the local government level, thus restoring integrity to the process.
Senator Ahmed Lama echoed the sentiment that systemic issues in local government elections have persisted for decades, reinforcing the need for collective action among all stakeholders, including governors and the national assembly, to safeguard democracy in Nigeria.
The discussions underscored the urgency of addressing the current electoral malpractice to prevent further disenfranchisement of the electorate and to uphold the principles of democracy that many have fought to establish.
