Local Government Elections In Nigeria: Urging State Governors To Stop Turning Democracy Into “Ojorocracy”, by Isaac Asabor

The concept of democracy is grounded in fairness, transparency, and the power of the people to decide their leaders. However, the practice of democracy in Nigeria, particularly at the local government level, is increasingly becoming a farce. The recent conduct of local government elections across various states in the country reveals a troubling trend, state governors manipulating the process to secure predetermined outcomes. This betrayal of democratic principles is what can best be described as “Ojorocracy,” a system where cheating, trickery, and unfair practices prevail.

Local government elections are supposed to be the cornerstone of grassroots democracy, enabling citizens to have direct influence over the leaders who administer their immediate communities. In theory, these elections are meant to provide a platform for the people’s voices to be heard. Unfortunately, the reality in Nigeria tells a different story.

Time and again, state governors have hijacked the process, using their influence to ensure that candidates from their own political party dominate the polls. Reports abound of election results being rigged, ballot boxes being snatched, and voter intimidation becoming the norm. These actions make a mockery of the democratic process, transforming what should be free and fair elections into orchestrated charades that serve only the interests of the ruling elites.

Governors across Nigeria have been accused of turning local government elections into a game of “ojoro” manipulating electoral commissions to ensure their preferred candidates emerge victorious. The tactics are well-known.

For instance, loyalists are handpicked to fill key positions in the State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), ensuring the entire election process is skewed in their favor.

More often than not elections at the local government level is usually characterized by late night election results that overwhelmingly favor the ruling party, sometimes with near-100% voter turnout in areas notorious for voter apathy.

In a similar vein, elections are the local government level is usually characterized by suppression of opposition parties, where candidates from other parties are disqualified or intimidated to withdraw from the race.

As if the foregoing are not enough, it is also characterized by deployment of state resources and security forces to harass political opponents and disenfranchise voters.

These manipulations are not just mere allegations; they are an open secret. In many states, it is taken for granted that local government elections are mere formalities with predetermined outcomes. This blatant disregard for democratic principles is disheartening and calls into question the sincerity of those in power when they claim to champion democracy.

In fact, when state governors subvert local government elections, they undermine the very foundation of democracy. This erosion of trust in the electoral system has far-reaching consequences:

For instance, when citizens perceive elections as nothing more than a “rigging festival,” they lose faith in the system. This disillusionment leads to voter apathy, reducing citizen participation in the democratic process.

Without a doubt, unfairly organized elections at the local government level stifles development at the grassroots: Local governments, if properly empowered, are crucial to delivering essential services and driving development. However, when the leadership is not truly representative, they are often unaccountable to the people and fail to prioritize local needs.

Poorly conducted local government election also entrenches a culture of corruption as handpicked local government officials often owe their allegiance not to the people but to the governors who installed them. This breeds a culture of patronage, where officials focus on enriching themselves and their political godfathers rather than serving the public.

In fact, Nigeria’s democracy cannot thrive if the local government level remains a bastion of electoral malpractice. State governors must be reminded that democracy is not about “ojoro” but about the will of the people. It is time for them to stop turning elections into a game of deceit and manipulation.

The federal government, civil society organizations, and the media have a crucial role to play in holding these governors accountable. Electoral reforms that ensure true independence of State Independent Electoral Commissions are urgently needed. Furthermore, there must be consequences for those who subvert the democratic process. Only by restoring integrity to local government elections can we begin to rebuild trust in Nigeria’s democracy.

Democracy thrives on the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability. If state governors continue to turn local government elections into “Ojorocracy,” they are not just cheating the system, they are cheating the people they swore to serve. For Nigeria to achieve the democratic ideals it claims to uphold, it is imperative that elections, especially at the grassroots level, are conducted with integrity.

As local government election has come to stay in this part of the world, Nigerians must demand more from their leaders. Let us reject “ojoro” and embrace true democracy, where the voice of the people is not just heard but respected.