Premium News
RECENT LOCAL GOVT ELECTIONS ACROSS STATES IN NIGERIA, A SHAM, RAPE OF DEMOCRACY – SENATE
The Nigerian Senate has denounced the recent local government elections in several states, describing them as a “sham” and a “rape of democracy.”
This condemnation arose during a session on Thursday, following a motion led by Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), who criticized the elections in Benue State conducted on October 5.
Senator Emmanuel Udende (APC, Benue North East) supported the motion, emphasizing that, despite party affiliations, the elections were non-existent.
Senator Titus Zam (APC, Benue North West) echoed these sentiments, labeling the proceedings a “heinous political crime.”
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin termed the elections a “national calamity,” asserting that true democracy relies on free and fair elections, which are increasingly absent in local governance.
He highlighted that many results were pre-determined, rendering the electoral process meaningless.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio called for constitutional amendments to reposition local government as a legitimate tier of governance.
He acknowledged the Supreme Court’s ruling that mandates direct funding to local governments, emphasizing the need for credible elections to restore democratic integrity.
The Senate’s unanimous stance reflects growing frustration over electoral malpractice and a commitment to reforming the local government election process to uphold democratic values in Nigeria.
