An Assessment of the Conduct of Democracy in the Local Government Councils in Nigeria

: A Focus on Anambra and Imo States (1999-2018).

Abstract

Local government in Nigeria is designed to promote grassroots’ democracy and to ensure that the elected representatives of the people manage the local government councils. However, state governments have been accused for the inability to accomplish this objective due to unnecessary delay in the conduct of election in the local government, deliberate dissolution and suspension of some elected representatives of the people, and incessant use of appointed caretaker committee or sole administrator in the management of local government affairs. This paper seeks to assess the conduct of local government democracy in Nigeria, with reference to Anambra and Imo States. The study relies on the use of secondary data and personal oral interviews. It utilizes democratic-participatory theory as a framework of analysis, as the findings reveal that the delay in the conduct of local government elections, the incessant dissolution and suspension of elected local government officials (Chairmen and Councilors) and continuous use of appointed caretaker/sole administrator in the management of local government councils have grossly impacted negatively on the conduct and development of democracy at the grassroots level. Against the ills observed above, the paper recommends the amendment of the constitution to ensure regular and periodic election, popular consultation and participation in local government affairs and the management of local government elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).