By Correspondent in Minna.
Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State has come under fire from a leading human rights group over plans to conduct local government council (LGC) elections in November 2025, a move the group describes as unconstitutional and politically provocative.
The Chairman of the Human Rights and Judgement Enforcement Advocates, Barrister Alfa Mohammed, has advised Governor Bago to suspend the proposed polls, arguing that it would violate the 2022 Electoral Act, which guarantees a four-year tenure for elected council officials.
Addressing journalists in Minna, Barrister Alfa criticized the Governor’s decision to proceed with the elections despite the existing councils still having time left in office.
He warned that cutting short their tenure would amount to illegal dissolution and could trigger serious legal consequences for the state government.
“To avoid legal glitches and constitutional breaches, we draw the attention of Governor Bago to the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act, which clearly states that elected local government executives are entitled to a full four-year term,” Alfa said.
“The Governor must refrain from dissolving the councils prematurely or conducting any election until the lawful tenure of the current officials expires,” he added.
Alfa also raised alarm over what he described as undue interference by state governments in local council finances.
He reminded Governor Bago that, under the 1999 Constitution, the third tier of government is entitled to manage its own funds without interference.
“The Constitution is clear. By virtue of Sections 162 (3) and (5), allocations from the Federation Account meant for local governments must be paid directly to them. The era of state governments hijacking LGC funds must end,” he emphasized.
Referencing the Supreme Court judgment of July 11, 2024, which upheld the financial and administrative autonomy of local governments, Alfa disclosed that his organization has launched a nationwide campaign to compel all state governors to comply fully with the ruling.
“It is unfortunate that nearly a year after the Supreme Court’s landmark decision, many governors are still dragging their feet on implementation,” he lamented.
On the issue of Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Alfa cited Section 108(1) of the relevant Act, which provides that a council stands dissolved only after four years from the date of swearing-in or inauguration of the legislative arm.
He also issued a political challenge to the Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Senator Hope Uzodinma, urging him to lead by example and demonstrate that APC governors are truly aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s grassroots development and poverty eradication agenda.
“If the APC truly supports the President’s development vision, then they must ensure total local government autonomy,at the very least,before the next federal allocation is released,” Alfa charged.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
