Kwara State Government Prepares for First Local Government Elections Since 2019

The Kwara State Government is gearing up for its first local government elections since 2019, marking a significant shift in local governance after the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) took over leadership from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

The previous council chairmen, who were elected under the PDP, were removed from office by the APC shortly after assuming power in 2019.

This action prompted a legal battle initiated by the ousted PDP council chairmen, who claimed they had not completed their tenures.

Following their removal, Transition Implementation Committees (TIC) led by chairmen were installed in the 16 local councils, replacing the ousted officials.

However, despite the Supreme Court’s ruling that the constitution of transition committees was illegal, no local government elections have been held since then.

In response to the need for elected local government officials, the ruling party established a new State Independent Electoral Commission. The Chairman of the Commission, Malam Muhammed Baba Okanla, confirmed that preparations for the elections are underway.

He stated that the Commission has conducted training and retreats, focusing on ensuring a fair, transparent, and peaceful electoral process.

Okanla also highlighted the Commission’s efforts to collaborate with security agencies for a secure electoral environment.

He personally visited Ekiti to observe their recently concluded local council election and plans to monitor the upcoming local government election in Borno State on January 20, 2024.

Reacting to these developments, the main opposition party in the state, the PDP, expressed concerns about the prolonged absence of elected local government officials.

The party’s spokesman, Olusegun Olushola Adewara, criticized the Governor’s use of TIC to administer local government affairs for an extended period, describing it as unprecedented and detrimental to democratic principles.

The PDP spokesperson also highlighted the legal battles between the Governor and various stakeholders, suggesting a lack of adherence to judicial rulings.

The PDP and other concerned parties in Kwara are closely monitoring the upcoming local government elections, hoping for a fair and democratic process that will restore elected representation at the grassroots level.