Electoral Reforms and Local Government Democratization in Nigeria

Abstract

The study takes a critical look at Electoral Reforms and Local Government Democratization process in Nigeria. The study was driven by the indiscriminate dissolution of local government elected leaders by state governors on flimsy ground Because constitutionally, states are empowering to conduct local elections. The study objectives include, to find out whether State Independent Electoral Commission was in better position to conduct local poll than INEC, and to further examine if the abuse of local government democratization process is a consequence of SIEC bad electoral governance. Six hundred respondents were sampled from twenty-three local government areas of Rivers State. These respondents provided answers to the questionnaire items. Data obtained were analyzed using statistical tool. Major findings revealed that SIEC compromised electoral rules by protecting the interest of their pay master. It was also discovered that the abused of local poll is due to state undue interference into local affairs through power interplay between SIEC and state governors. This encourages state governors to dissolve local elected leaders at will. Based on the findings the study recommends constitutional and electoral reforms to ensure INEC gets the power to conduct local polls. This will prevent State authority pressure on local councils.