During a town hall meeting held in Owerri, Imo State, stakeholders emphasized the urgent need for the Federal Government to establish a separate electoral body to oversee local government elections. This call comes amid allegations that governors have hijacked local government funds, compromising the integrity of local elections.
Organized by SOS Children’s Villages with support from the European Union, the meeting featured various voices expressing concern over the current electoral system’s shortcomings.
Eze George Nwosu, the traditional ruler of Umuekwure in the Ngor Okpala council area, voiced his frustration regarding the weakness of electoral institutions, stating, “There is a need to reform institutions in Nigeria, and give them teeth to bite. We must strengthen our electoral bodies so that nobody can toy with it. Weak institutions prevent us from punishing offenders.”
Sheikh Suleiman Yusuf Njoku, the Chief Imam of Imo State, described the current electoral process as “unfortunate,” lamenting the erosion of values in society. He remarked, “Nigeria today is not the Nigeria we used to know. The society helps the politicians commit a lot of atrocities. We must reduce our love for material things, as this is leading to many troubles.”
Ichie Levi Ekeh, Imo State Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), echoed these sentiments, advocating for accountability within the electoral system. He pointed out, “We need to go back to the grassroots. We also need to stop neglecting the guidelines of elections, especially by the state electoral body. The federal government must create a different body to conduct local government elections, as the current system favors one party and undermines fair competition.”
Chimezie Ebosie, a member of a civil society organization, emphasized the importance of forming a coalition to pursue these electoral reforms effectively.
The collective call from these stakeholders highlights the pressing need for a transparent and equitable electoral process in Nigeria, particularly at the local government level, to ensure democracy thrives in the region.