ALGON Urges States Yet to Conduct Local Government Elections to Act

• The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria called on states to conduct local government elections to strengthen grassroots democracy and governance
• ALGON commended President Tinubu and state governors for empowering local councils, urging remaining states to ensure a people-oriented system

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has called on states that have yet to conduct local government elections to do so to strengthen grassroots democracy and governance.

This appeal was contained in a communiqué signed by Hamisu Mohammed, ALGON’s National Publicity Secretary, after the association’s 51st National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Katsina State.

The NEC appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to effectively empowering local governments to fulfil their constitutional responsibilities.

ALGON also commended the judiciary for ensuring a viable local government system reflecting people’s will.

The communiqué reads: “The NEC appreciated the efforts of state governors and the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) in conducting elections across local government areas. Over 30 states now have democratically elected chairmen.

“The remaining states are hereby urged to follow suit so as to fully have a system that is people-oriented according to the vision of Mr President.”

ALGON also lauded state governors for allowing local government chairmen uninterrupted access to manage their councils, noting that this has ensured the delivery of democratic dividends to the grassroots.

“NEC also appreciates the governors for the uninterrupted access given to the chairmen to run their local councils in the various states, which has gone far in ensuring the democratic dividends needed get to the people,” the communiqué added.

Reaffirming its commitment to good governance, ALGON pledged to enhance its partnership with stakeholders to promote transparency, accountability, and innovation in service delivery at the grassroots level.

“NEC pledged to deepen its symbiotic relationship with stakeholders, promoting transparency, accountability, innovative service, and uniformity in service delivery at the grassroots level through effective communication and community engagement, which is the bedrock for open governance.”

ALGON urged all states to prioritize local government elections to ensure a truly people-oriented system that aligns with President Tinubu’s vision for grassroots development.