By Milcah Tanimu

Local government elections in Nigeria often lack genuine competition, as the ruling party in each state usually determines the outcome of these contests. Many State Electoral Commissions (SIECs) have been criticized for failing to conduct transparent elections, with allegations of bias and manipulation favoring the governing party. In most cases, these electoral bodies are seen as mere extensions of the ruling party, influenced by state governors who control their appointments. Consequently, instances of irregularities, such as declaring results without adhering to election rules, have marred the credibility of these local elections.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, recently commented that local government elections in most states are often reduced to mere formalities that confirm the ruling party’s choices.

There have been numerous occasions where opposition parties have refused to participate in local elections, citing a lack of a fair playing field. Earlier this year, 16 parties in Osun State threatened to boycott the elections, accusing the State Independent Electoral Commission of insincerity. Similar situations occurred in Edo and Adamawa states, where opposition parties withdrew, fearing they would be unfairly excluded.

Plateau State has been no different, with all four previous local government elections criticized for falling short of acceptable standards. This has led to decreased enthusiasm among voters, resulting in consistently low turnout rates.

However, the current governor of Plateau State, Caleb Muftwang, has pledged to change this trend. As he inaugurated new members of the State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), he promised to ensure credible elections and restore confidence in the process. The governor emphasized that his administration aims to correct past mistakes and ensure that local elections genuinely reflect the will of the people.

Governor Muftwang’s call for transparency and fairness was reinforced during the swearing-in of the PLASIEC members, where he urged them to uphold democratic principles and deliver free and fair elections. He affirmed that his government would not interfere in the commission’s affairs, committing to a transparent process that allows people to elect their local leaders without undue influence.

The Chairman of PLASIEC, Plangji Cishal, echoed the governor’s sentiment, affirming the commission’s commitment to conducting transparent and credible elections. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but assured that his team is working to address them, including maintaining openness to scrutiny from the public and the media.

In response to these assurances, seven political parties, including the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Action Democratic Party (ADP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP), have conducted their primaries, and their candidates have emerged. Despite some controversies during the primaries, the candidates have begun purchasing nomination forms from the state electoral commission.

While the political climate remains tense, opposition parties have cautiously welcomed the government’s assurances. The APC’s Publicity Secretary, Shittu Bamaiyi, expressed confidence in the commission’s ability to conduct a fair election, despite concerns over possible manipulations. Similarly, representatives of other parties have urged PLASIEC to live up to its promise of fairness, while voicing concerns over the high cost of nomination forms, which they perceive as a barrier to participation.

The upcoming local government elections, scheduled for October 9th, present a crucial test for Governor Muftwang and PLASIEC. Observers believe that a genuinely fair and transparent election could restore public confidence in the electoral process and set a positive precedent for other states in Nigeria. The outcome of these elections will likely determine the strength and relevance of the major political parties in Plateau State, particularly the PDP and APC.

With local government autonomy now affirmed by the Supreme Court, there is an increasing demand for credible local elections to produce genuine leaders who are accountable to their communities rather than being subservient to state governors. The Plateau State elections could be a turning point, proving that free and fair local elections are possible in Nigeria if properly managed.