On Thursday, the Senate urged the Federal Government to withhold allocations from local governments where chairmen were appointed by state governors.
This resolution followed concerns raised by Senate Minority Leader Sen. Abba Moro about what he termed sham local government elections held on October 5, 2024, and violations of the Constitution.
Moro alleged that in many instances, elections were conducted in the private homes of ruling party leaders, turning the process into a mere coronation of the party’s candidates rather than a legitimate election as outlined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
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Co-sponsors from across party lines unanimously agreed that no elections took place in Benue.
During the debate, other lawmakers raised concerns about the lack of transparency and fairness in local government elections, citing similar issues in Rivers, Edo, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, and beyond Benue.
The Senate also condemned the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission for its blatant disregard for democratic principles during the sham local government elections on October 5.
Lawmakers called on the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission to conduct elections in areas where voting did not occur, ensuring that citizens can choose their representatives.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio proposed the idea of a national dialogue to help shift the narrative.
He emphasized that the issues surrounding local government elections go beyond party lines, asserting that the National Assembly is determined to improve the situation.
Akpabio also criticized Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki for lacking respect for the rule of law, pointing out his refusal to swear in duly elected members of the state house of assembly for four years, despite court orders.
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