The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have exchanged sharp words following a recent Supreme Court ruling that grants more autonomy to Nigeria’s local governments.
On Sunday, the APC labeled the PDP as an “enemy of the people,” accusing the opposition of resisting democratic progress at the grassroots level. In contrast, the PDP expressed concerns that the ruling could lead to governance challenges, particularly in managing local government affairs.
The Supreme Court’s ruling, delivered on July 11, effectively strips Nigeria’s 36 state governors of their control over funds designated for the country’s 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Justice Emmanuel Agim, who delivered the verdict, emphasized that local governments must manage their finances independently, reinforcing their financial autonomy. The ruling also stipulated that only democratically elected local governments are constitutionally recognized, and state governments are prohibited from appointing caretaker committees for LGAs.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who serves as the vice chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, warned that the ruling could have significant implications for the general population. “The law is the law,” Makinde stated, “but we must find indigenous solutions that maintain transparency while protecting our people’s rights. In disputes, it is always the grass that suffers when elephants fight.”
Speaking at a global press conference in Abuja on Sunday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, indicated that the opposition party is still reviewing the Supreme Court’s decision. Ologunagba criticized the Federal Government’s approach, suggesting that it might lead to the creation of a corrupt bureaucracy overseeing local government operations.
“The concern is very clear,” Ologunagba said. “We believe that any local government reforms should be a collaborative effort with the governors, not imposed by the Federal Government. The law should not attempt the impossible, as it will ultimately fail.”
Ologunagba stressed that the relationship between state governments and local governments is crucial. He argued that issues arising within LGAs should be addressed by state governors, not the Federal Government, given their closer proximity to the people.
In response, APC National Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the PDP’s stance as absurd and reactionary. Ibrahim questioned why it took the PDP over a month to arrive at its current position, noting that the Supreme Court’s ruling is final and cannot be contested.
“The PDP’s opposition to this ruling is a clear attempt to maintain corruption, even while in opposition,” Ibrahim said. “This is not opposition; this is criminality. The local government is the closest government to the people, and denying them the autonomy to serve the public is nothing short of dehumanizing.” He said
Ibrahim further criticized the PDP for not raising these concerns during the court proceedings, accusing the party of opposing any measure that empowers the people.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how this ruling will impact the relationship between the Federal Government
