The African Action Congress presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Omoyele Sowore, has expressed his reservations about the Supreme Court judgment granting autonomy to local governments.
Sowore believes that the judgment will not make a significant difference if state governors continue to control the state electoral machinery and rig local government elections.
In a social media post, Sowore stated that as long as state governors maintain control over the electoral process and install their preferred candidates in local government areas, the Supreme Court ruling will remain ineffective.
He also expressed skepticism about the ability of local governments to manage funds effectively, citing concerns about corruption and mismanagement.
Recall that the Supreme Court had previously ruled that it was unconstitutional for state governors to control funds meant for local governments, barring them from accessing allocations meant for local governments.
However, Sowore’s comments suggest that the judgment may not lead to significant changes in the way local governments operate, especially if state governors continue to exert influence over the electoral process.
Posting on X, Sowore wrote: “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!”