Gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 general elections, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has disclosed that unnecessary interference by governors is the main factor weakening the local government system in the country.

Alli made the declaration on Tuesday while delivering a keynote address at a conference marking the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Local Government Reforms in Nigeria.

The conference was held at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, in Osun State.

Alli, who once served as a local government chairman in Oyo State, explained that persistent political interference by governors is responsible for the slow development of local governments.

He also identified weak financial independence, poor governance structures, inadequate administrative capacity, and limited citizen participation as other problems facing the local government system in the country.

Speaking further, Alli advised state governors to stop unnecessary interference in matters relating to local government councils in their states.

The APC candidate also pledged full financial and administrative autonomy for local government councils if elected governor in 2027.

He said that empowering local governments would deepen democracy in the country.

He added that it would accelerate rural development, improve service delivery, and strengthen public confidence in governance.

Alli said, “Persistent political interference, weak financial independence, poor governance structures, inadequate administrative capacity and limited citizen participation have hindered their effectiveness.

“Empowering local governments will deepen democracy, accelerate rural development, improve service delivery and strengthen public confidence in governance.”