The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) has pinned local government elections irregularities in Nigeria since 1999, on political interference from the state governments and partisanship of the states’ independent electoral commission.
Speaking to newsmen in Abuja, Thursday, TMG Chairman, Comrade Musa Auwal Rafsanjani, stated that the interference, “has led to a lack of trust in local elections and the increasing cases of voter apathy with inconsistency in the application of electoral guidelines and poor communication channels between state electoral commissions and electoral stakeholders”.
The group called on the Nigeria Governor’s Forum, political parties and relevant stakeholders to join voices in ensuring that credible LGA elections are prioritized and conducted as at when due.
They also stressed the need for reforms to be put in place for local institutional strengthening and framework for local government development.
“Since 1999, credible local government elections in Nigeria have been illusory, the processes and outcome of the LGA elections have remained the will of the state and ruling party rather than reflecting the consent and aspirations of the people as the electorate.”
Reeling out the group’s focus, Mr Rafsanjani disclosed that they would continue to monitor and report to appropriate quarters, incidences of electoral violence.
Our focus include, “Engaging in Massive Voters’ Education, Continuous Voters’ Registration, Engage in Observing Conducts of Security Personnel, Politicians and Political Parties during Elections, Advocacy to Reform and Institutionalize Internal Democracy in Nigeria’s Political Parties, Observation of Election Litigations/ Tribunals in Nigeria.”
Other members of the group present included; the vice chairman, Comrade Mirian Menkiti, and other members of the executive.
