A group of community leaders in Offa, Kwara State, championing local government autonomy, has condemned the recent local government elections in the state, describing the process as a “charade” lacking transparency and fairness.

The Aare Bobaselu of Offa, Abdullatif Kunle Ajeigbe, who led the group, in a statement on the outcome of the polls, also advocated for true financial and administrative independence for local councils.

On the election day, Ajeigbe expressed disappointment over the conduct of the State Independent Electoral Commission (KWIESEC), alleging that the results were compromised.

According to him, “the elections failed to reflect the will of the people,” highlighting the need for immediate reforms to restore credibility to local governance.

“The entire process was marred by interference and lacked the fairness and transparency that true democracy demands,” Ajeigbe said.

He added: “The election was nothing short of a farce, and it reinforces the urgent need for genuine local government autonomy.”

The group, however, lauded President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to local government reforms, citing the July 2024 Supreme Court judgement that granted financial autonomy to local councils, which stripped governors of control over local government funds with the order that their allocations be paid directly to their purses.

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He praised the ruling as a significant victory for grassroots democracy, noting that it was a critical step in addressing the long-standing issue of state governors’ grip on local councils.

“The Supreme Court’s verdict was clear and unequivocal. Local governments must receive their funds directly and manage them without any interference from the state.

“This is a victory for democracy, accountability, and good governance at the grassroots level,” he stressed.

Ajeigbe wondered why state governors that publicly endorsed the ruling secretly opposed it, citing their rejection of constitutional amendments by state Assemblies that would have granted full autonomy to local councils.

“Governors may claim to support financial autonomy for local councils, but their actions speak otherwise.

“Their opposition has always been concealed behind empty rhetoric, and it is time for the people to see through this charade,” he accused.

The group also urged the National Assembly to take legislative action to transfer the responsibility of conducting council elections to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to him, the state governors’ control over SIECs allowed them to manipulate elections and install loyalists, thereby undermining the integrity of the electoral process.

He said: “True democracy cannot thrive when local elections are subjected to manipulation by state governments.”

While highlighting the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration in addressing the financial autonomy of local councils, he urged the president to accelerate efforts towards full restructuring, which he said would bolster governance across all tiers.

He noted that restructuring would ensure the proper functioning of local governments. “President Tinubu has shown a strong commitment to restructure and empower local governments. While he has noted that this process will be systematic, we believe the recent events in Kwara State demonstrate that it must be expedited,” Ajeigbe added.

The group also took the opportunity to appreciate the community and well-meaning individuals who have supported their cause.