Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on local government autonomy.
Sowore argued that the judgment would have little impact if state governors continue to control the state electoral apparatus.
He emphasized that as long as governors manipulate local government elections to install their loyalists, the Supreme Court’s decision will remain ineffective.
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In a post on X, Sowore stated, “As long as Nigerian state governors control the State Electoral machinery, ruthlessly rig Local Government elections and install their minions (minimes) in the LGAs, the Supreme Court ruling would remain ineffective! And at any rate, any time @officialABAT is seen around control of funds, run, please run!”
This comment refers to the Supreme Court’s decision to bar state governors from accessing allocations meant for local governments.
The apex court ruled that it was unconstitutional for state governors to control funds intended for local governments, aiming to ensure greater financial independence for local administrations.
Despite the ruling, Sowore’s remarks highlight concerns that without reforms to prevent electoral manipulation at the local level, the intended benefits of the court’s decision may not be realized.
