SERAP Urges President Tinubu: Withhold Allocations to States Failing to Conduct Credible LG Polls
Abuja, Nigeria – The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action against states failing to conduct free and fair local government elections.
In a statement released today, SERAP urged President Tinubu to direct the Minister of Finance, Olawale Edun, to withhold federal allocations to states that neglect to ensure credible local government polls.
SERAP’s Demands
SERAP’s letter to President Tinubu emphasizes the need for transparent and accountable electoral processes at the local level. The organization stressed that withholding allocations would incentivize states to prioritize democratic principles.
“Taking this step would demonstrate your commitment to strengthening local government and ensuring accountability to citizens,” SERAP’s Executive Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, stated.
Local Government Elections Crisis
Nigeria’s local government elections have faced criticism for lacking credibility, transparency, and accountability. SERAP’s intervention aims to address these concerns.
“States must prioritize the integrity of the electoral process, ensuring citizens’ participation and trust in local governance,” Oluwadare added.
Constitutional and Legal Frame work
SERAP based its demands on Section 7 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) and the country’s international obligations, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Reactions and Expectations
The Nigerian Guild of Editors and other civil society organizations have expressed support for SERAP’s call to action.
“This move will promote democratic values and ensure that local governments serve the people’s interests,” said Mustapha Isah, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.
Next Steps
President Tinubu’s response to SERAP’s demands will be closely watched. The organization has vowed to seek legal action if necessary.
“SERAP will continue to advocate for the rights of Nigerian citizens to participate in credible elections,” Oluwadare concluded.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to withhold federal allocations from states that have not conducted credible local government elections. This call to action by SERAP is based on a Supreme Court judgment from July 2024, which stipulates that federal allocations should be disbursed directly to democratically elected local government councils.
Here are the key points from SERAP’s request:
- Directive to the Finance Minister: SERAP wants President Tinubu to instruct Mr. Olawale Edun, the Minister of Finance, to withhold federal allocations from states that have failed to hold credible local government elections.
- Supreme Court Ruling Compliance: The action is in line with a Supreme Court decision which mandates that funds from the Federation Account should go directly to local governments that are democratically elected.
- Transparency Demand: SERAP also requested details on how many local government councils have received federal allocations directly and whether these councils were democratically elected.
- Legal and Constitutional Obligations: This move is seen as a step towards enforcing accountability and ensuring that federal funds are allocated in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution and Supreme Court rulings.
- Potential Legal Action: If President Tinubu does not comply within seven days of receiving the letter, SERAP has hinted at taking legal measures to enforce the Supreme Court’s decision.
This initiative by SERAP reflects broader concerns about governance, transparency, and the rule of law at the local government level in Nigeria, aiming to curb what they perceive as manipulation of local government elections by state governors.
