The Coalition for Democratic Governance in Africa (CDGA) has urged the Federal Government to suspend statutory monthly allocations to Zamfara and Benue states, citing the lack of functional legislative assemblies in both states.

In a strongly worded statement signed by its convener, Dr. Paul Barka, the civil society organisation said it was unconstitutional for state governors to continue governing without the scrutiny and oversight of duly constituted Houses of Assembly.

The group warned that such developments posed a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy and encouraged unchecked executive dominance.

CDGA praised the Federal Government’s recent action in Osun State, where local government funds were reportedly withheld due to breaches of democratic procedures. It called for similar measures to be applied in Zamfara and Benue, where, according to the group, legislative authority has either been crippled or reduced to a rubber-stamp role.

“We commend the decision of the Federal Government to withhold allocations to local governments in Osun State pending the restoration of democratic order. This sends a strong message that constitutional breaches will not be tolerated,” the statement read.

“But the same principle must apply to Benue and Zamfara, where governors are operating without functional Houses of Assembly. If democracy is to be defended, it must be done consistently.”

The group accused both states of flouting constitutional norms. In Zamfara, it noted, 10 members of the State Assembly were suspended after raising concerns about deteriorating security and poor governance. In Benue, the executive was alleged to have sidelined the legislature entirely, relegating it to a ceremonial status.

Dr. Barka described the situation as a dangerous precedent in which state executives govern by decree while continuing to access public funds in the absence of legislative checks.

“This is not a mere procedural lapse. It is a full-blown crisis that allows governors to operate without transparency, award contracts without due process, and manage public finances without accountability. That is unacceptable in a democracy,” he said.

The group called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation to halt disbursements to both state governments until their legislative arms are restored to full operation.

“The Nigerian Constitution does not provide for one-man rule at state level. These governors are acting as sole administrators under a democratic guise, and the flow of federal funds must not legitimise or sustain such illegality,” the statement added.

CDGA emphasised that the suspension of funds should be a temporary corrective measure, not a punitive one, aimed at compelling a return to constitutional governance.

It called on political actors in Zamfara and Benue to resolve internal disputes that have crippled their assemblies, and to prioritise the reactivation of legislative functions in the interest of transparency and good governance.

“The goal is not to punish citizens but to protect them from lawless governance. Without legislative oversight, corruption thrives, and the public bears the cost,” Barka warned.

The organisation also urged key institutions, including the National Assembly, the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and international democracy watchdogs, to closely monitor the unfolding crisis in both states.

“Nigeria cannot continue to profess democracy while tolerating authoritarian tendencies in the states. This is a test of our collective commitment to constitutionalism,” Barka added.

The group concluded by appealing to the media and other civil society organisations to speak out, warning that the country’s democratic system is only as resilient as its weakest component.

“Democracy is not just about elections; it is reflected in daily governance. When state legislatures are crippled, it is not just a local problem — it becomes a national threat,” the group stated.