- Some states have started preparations for council polls following Supreme Court ruling
- The Court ruled that the LG councils should handle their own funds
- Adding that it is unconstitutional for state governors to withhold funds allocated to LG councils
No fewer than 13 states have scheduled their Local Government elections, following the Supreme Court decision prohibiting caretaker committees from handling federal allocations to councils.
In the judgment by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the seven-member panel ruled that the 774 local government councils in the country should handle their own funds, adding that it is unconstitutional for state governors to withhold funds allocated to local government councils.
Consequently, some states have started preparations for council polls. TheRadar compiled the states below:
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission has scheduled the local government elections for August 19. During a news conference held in Bauchi on Tuesday, the commission's Chairman, Alhaji Ahmad Makama, announced that all preparations are in place to ensure a free and fair election.
He emphasised the commission's dedication to conducting a credible and transparent election and encouraged citizens to participate by voting for their chosen candidates across all parties.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission announced on Tuesday, July 16 that the council poll would take place on October 19, 2024.
This was disclosed by the Kaduna SIECOM Chairperson, Hajara Mohammed, during a meeting with political parties and stakeholders on Tuesday. She explained that the current council officials, sworn in on November 1, 2021, would complete their three-year term on October 31, 2024.
She stated, “The current council members were sworn into office on 1 November 2021 and will end their three-year tenure on 31 October. KAD-SIECOM is responsible for organising the elections of chairpersons, vice-chairpersons, and councillors in the state.”
She further said, “In consonance with the provision of section 25(1) of the KAD-SIECOM Law 2024, the general public is hereby informed that the LGA council election will be held in Kaduna on Saturday, 19th October 2024, between 8am and 4pm.
“The commission issues the election timetable today, Tuesday 16th July 2024. The 2024 election guidelines have been released with the election timetable KAD-SIECOM is ready to conduct the election on the set date,” She added.
Kogi
The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission also announced October for local government elections. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Lokoja on Tuesday July 16, Mamman Eri, the chairman of the electoral commission, stated that the decision aligns with constitutional provisions and the authority granted to the state Independent Electoral Commission.
The state election timetable indicates that councillorship candidates pay a deposit of N100,000, while chairmanship candidates must pay N250,000.
Furthermore, the timetable restricts candidates who have been dismissed from public service or private employment from running for any elective office.
Additionally, individuals convicted of offences related to narcotics or other psychotropic substances by any court or tribunal are barred from contesting in the election.
Ondo postpones election
Ondo State's council election has been postponed for the second time. Dr. Joseph Aremo, the chairman of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission, announced on Monday July 15 that the lack of compliance by all political parties with the election guidelines prompted this decision.
Previously, the council poll was scheduled for February before the latest postponement July 13, 2023, before the latest postponement.
While addressing stakeholders from different political parties in the state, Aremo mentioned in Akure, “Ours is to conduct an election that will usher in a democratic government at the local level. It’s unfortunate that no single party complied with the guidelines for the election”.
He further said, “We have yet to receive the nomination of candidates, yet to verify and release it to the public for scrutiny”.
Aremo added that the commission would reassess its strategy and announce its position at a future date. Adesanya Olaoluwa, the Ondo State Chairman of the Inter-party Advisory Council, responded by admitting that all political parties had agreed to the terms, recognizing that an election couldn't occur without them.
He said, “They now know our reasons. We want to see Mr Governor. It is not that we don’t have trust in ODIEC. We know that they can conduct credible election but we want to see Mr Governor”.
Enugu, Katsina, Kebbi set date for election
It has also come to light that Kebbi, Jigawa, Abia, Benue, and Anambra states have begun the process of organizing local council elections.
Katsina has scheduled its election for February, with Osun set to hold its poll on February 22, 2025.
Kebbi has scheduled its election on August 31, Rivers on October 5, and Kwara and Imo on September 21.
The election is set for October 5 in Enugu, while Benue has scheduled November 16 to carry out the election.
Court reinstates Philip Shuaibu as deputy governor of Edo State
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Federal High Court in Abuja has reinstated Philip Shuaibu as the deputy governor of Edo State.
Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case, declared that the impeachment and subsequent dismissal did not adhere to the legal requirements, rendering the actions null and void.