President Bola Tinubu has tasked chairmen of all the 774 local government councils in the country to ensure that their councils are not turned into breeding grounds for political violence ahead of the 2027 polls nationwide.
Tinubu particularly charged the local government chairmen to adopt zero tolerance for political thuggery, intimidation, hate speech and violence, warning them against allowing young Nigerians to be recruited for electoral violence or lured into substance abuse under any guise.
Speaking Tuesday at the maiden Annual National Conference of the 774 Local Government Council Chairmen at the State House, Abuja, the President said local council leaders have a responsibility to create conditions in which Nigerians can exercise their democratic rights freely and without fear.
Tinubu, who was represented at the conference with the theme “Cascading President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to the Grassroots,” by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, explained that although the 1999 Constitution assigns responsibility for conducting elections to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), local government chairmen, as leaders of the communities where voting takes place, have an important role to play especially in maintaining peace.
His words: “Nigeria is entering the decisive weeks and months of the election cycle leading up to the 2027 General Election. The 1999 FRN (as amended) has given the responsibility of the umpire to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“However, as leaders of the communities in which elections would take place, you have an overarching responsibility to help create an atmosphere in which every Nigerian can exercise his or her democratic right without fear.
“I urge you to discourage divisions and adopt a zero-tolerance policy for thuggery, intimidation, hate speech and violence. Ensure that our youths are not lured into substance use and abuse, under any disguise”.
The President also tasked the chairmen to help defuse political tensions in their communities, support lawful security coordination and protect citizens’ right to freely choose their leaders.
“At the community level, I further urge you as leaders to douse tensions, support lawful security coordination and respect the right of citizens to make their choices freely”.
To him, Nigeria’s democracy would be strengthened when citizens are able to participate peacefully in elections and retain confidence in the electoral process.
Tinubu stressed that his administration remained committed to peaceful and credible elections, adding that the Renewed Hope Agenda must translate into tangible improvements in food security, healthcare, education, infrastructure, employment and local enterprise.
Tinubu also challenged council chairmen to justify the financial autonomy granted local governments by delivering measurable improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
The President recalled that his administration approached the Supreme Court to affirm the constitutional rights and financial autonomy of local governments, culminating in the July 11, 2024 judgment.
Tinubu stressed that local government autonomy should not be treated merely as an entitlement but as an instrument for delivering services to citizens.
“The autonomy pronounced in the judgement of the Supreme Court of Nigeria places a huge responsibility on all chairmen, elected councillors and their management to deliver impactful governance at the grassroots”.
According to him, Nigerians should begin to experience better primary healthcare, basic education, rural roads, potable water, stronger food systems, assistance for small businesses and increased opportunities for women and young people.
The President said local councils must consequently become centres for development planning, effective service delivery, early warning and measurable results, while embracing technology, reliable statistics and evidence-based decision-making.
He noted that the Federal Government’s push for grassroots development was informed by the conviction that Nigeria could not achieve sustainable development through the centre alone.
Tinubu recalled his experience as Lagos State governor, when his administration created 37 Local Council Development Areas, saying the objective was to bring government closer to a rapidly growing population and create more centres of development.
“Contrary to some narratives that gained currency, our vision and focus was about shortening the distance between government and the governed, widening access to services and creating more centres of local development”.
The President while commenting on security said the issue had remained a top priority of his administration, with the Federal Government strengthening, equipping and reforming security institutions as well as training personnel.
He, however, said sustainable security could not be achieved solely from the centre because lasting peace must be built “community by community”.
Tinubu therefore directed the council chairmen to deepen collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth and women groups, community associations and lawful security agencies to secure their communities.
He said local authorities, because of their proximity to citizens, should be able to identify grievances and emerging threats before they degenerate into crises.
The President also warned local governments against remaining passive recipients of Federal Government programmes, saying they must become active development partners capable of coordinating and innovating to meet the needs of their communities.
He said the establishment of regional development commissions had created additional opportunities for local governments to pursue partnerships and investments tailored to their peculiar needs.
Tinubu urged the local council chairmen to use the conference to develop practical recommendations for tackling obstacles to grassroots development.
His words: “History has placed the huge responsibility of transforming your local government areas into models of development that would be the point of reference.
“Therefore, let your tenure be remembered for the lives, communities and systems improved in each of the 774 Local Government Areas”.
Deji Elumoye
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