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View all magazinesTHE 2025 ONDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS: STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY THROUGH GRASSROOT GOVERNANCE BY AMB. FEMI AJAPE
In clear terms, local government elections play a crucial role in promoting democratic governance and sustainable development, especially at the grassroots level. To strengthen this view,
the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), guarantees the existence of a democratically elected local government system under section 7 (1). Equally too,
Section 7(11), recognizes that local government serves as the grassroots of national politics.
From the foregoing, the upcoming Ondo State 2025 Local Government (LG) elections on January 18th, 2025 holds significant promise for deepening democratic practices, empowering communities, and fostering localized development initiatives in the State.
Accordingly, these LG elections will elect Chairmen and Councillors across the state’s 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs), with the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) determined to conduct a free, fair, credible and transparent election.
Following the Supreme Court judgement delivered on 11th July, 2024 granting financial autonomy to Local Governments in Nigeria, this decentralized approach is expected to foster accountability and transparency, ensuring that decisions directly reflect the will and needs of the people. Therefore, the 2025 LG elections in Ondo State provide an opportunity for LGAs to demonstrate this financial autonomy and enhance these governance principles, creating a more inclusive and responsive governance that directly impacts citizens' daily lives.
Essentially, it is important to underscore the point that grassroots governance will empower local authorities to address community-specific issues through localized decision-making and active citizen participation. In Ondo State, where LGAs face varying socio-economic challenges, effective grassroots governance enables communities to tailor solutions to intractable problems affecting them.
In particular, the decentralization system will be key to empowering local governments to independently manage resources, prioritize development projects, and tackle issues like unemployment, poverty, infrastructure deficits, and public health challenges.
Added to these, the 18 LGAs in Ondo State can initiate targeted programs such as entrepreneurship training, community-led conservation efforts, and the construction of critical infrastructure like schools and hospitals. Through granting LGAs greater autonomy, decentralization promotes accountability and ensures that development initiatives align with community priorities.
Clearly, citizen participation is a pillar of grassroots governance, promoting inclusivity and fostering a sense of ownership among community members. For instance, initiatives like town hall meetings, participatory budgeting, and public hearings enable citizens to contribute to decision-making processes, hold leaders accountable, and ensure that resources are allocated equitably.
In Ondo State, LGs can strengthen these engagement platforms to bridge the gap between citizens and elected officials. For example, participatory budgeting allows communities to directly influence how public funds are utilized, ensuring alignment with their priorities. Such initiatives not only improve governance outcomes but also build trust and cooperation between citizens and their leaders.
*Challenges to Grassroots Governance*
Despite its benefits, grassroots governance faces several challenges in Ondo State such as the following:-
- Resource Constraints: Limited financial and human resources hinder local governments' ability to deliver essential services and execute development projects.
- Disinformation: False narratives about candidates or electoral processes can distort voter behavior, undermining the credibility of elections.
- Elite Capture: Powerful individuals or groups may prioritize personal interests over community needs, eroding trust in governance.
- Under- representation: Women, youth, and marginalized groups remain underrepresented in local politics, limiting their influence on policy decisions.
- Voter apathy weakens grassroots governance by reducing participation, undermining elected representatives' legitimacy, and leaving local issues unaddressed.
Nonetheless, addressing these issues is essential to fully realizing the potential of grassroots governance in Ondo State, and recognizing the evolving electoral dynamics in Ondo State.
Addressing voter apathy and its impact on grassroots governance requires a multi-faceted approach to encourage participation and strengthen democracy. One of the most critical steps is enhancing voter education. For this reason, campaigns should highlight the importance of voting and its impact on community development to encourage greater participation.
Another way to enhance voter education is building trust in the electoral process which requires transparency, proper monitoring, credible observers, and adherence to laws. Addressing past irregularities publicly can restore confidence, encouraging greater voter participation.
In addition, promoting accountability involves holding officials to their promises and encouraging citizen engagement through town hall meetings. This fosters trust and motivates officials to serve the community’s best interests.
Also, improving electoral accessibility ensures all voters, including marginalized groups, can participate by addressing logistical issues and ensuring polling stations are accessible.
Undoubtedly, voter education can also be markedly improved by engaging communities and involving local leaders and grassroots organizations. This will strengthens civic participation and foster a sense of shared responsibility in governance.
Finally enforcing electoral laws and empowering independent bodies is essential to ensure fairness, prevent malpractice, and protect the integrity of elections.
In studiously addressing these challenges in a comprehensive manner, voter apathy can be mitigated, and grassroots democracy strengthened, ensuring that governance reflects the true will of the people.
*Strengthening Grassroots Governance Post-Election*
To maximize the impact of the 2025 Local Government elections, post-election efforts must focus on accountability and sustainable development. One way to achieve this is through civic education. Comprehensive voter education campaigns can improve participation and ensure citizens make informed decisions. Educated voters are more likely to hold leaders accountable after elections.
Promoting inclusive policies is also crucial. Local governments should involve marginalized groups in decision-making through affirmative actions and capacity-building initiatives. By empowering underrepresented groups, such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities, governance becomes more inclusive and representative of the community’s needs.
Pointedly, transparency is essential for maintaining trust and accountability. Establishing monitoring mechanisms and fostering open communication between leaders and citizens can enhance transparency. Platforms for feedback, performance reviews, and community meetings allow leaders to explain their actions and address concerns.
Finally, effective resource allocation is key to sustainable development. Adequate funding and capacity-building programs for local governments enable the successful implementation of community-driven projects. Proper use of resources ensures development initiatives benefit the entire population.
These efforts will strengthen grassroots governance and ensure the 2025 LG elections lead to meaningful progress.
Clearly, the 2025 Ondo State LG elections represent a pivotal opportunity to transform grassroots governance and drive sustainable development now and beyond. Through emphasizing decentralization, citizen participation, and inclusive decision-making, the elections can empower local governments to address pressing challenges and improve the quality of life for all citizens, now and beyond.
In conclusion, the 2025 Ondo State LG elections present a defining moment for ODIEC to demonstrate its commitment to democratic principles. The withdrawal of the PDP, while significant, should not detract from the Commission's duty to uphold the highest standards of transparency, fairness, and credibility.
Ondo State has the potential to set a benchmark for effective grassroots governance, showcasing how local leadership and community engagement can foster long-term growth and resilience. As the state prepares for this significant electoral milestone, all stakeholders must collaborate to ensure free, fair, and credible elections, laying the foundation for a brighter future for Ondo State.
For this reason, the people of Ondo State deserve nothing less than a truly competitive and impartial election that reflects their collective will. ODIEC must rise to the occasion, as anything short of excellence risks eroding public trust in the electoral process, a trust that is both hard-earned and fragile. The eyes of the state, and indeed the nation, are watching.
16th January, 2025
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