President Bola Tinubu has charged chairmen of Nigeria’s 774 local government councils to prevent their communities from becoming breeding grounds for political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu urged the council chairmen to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to political thuggery, intimidation, hate speech and violence, while warning against the recruitment of young Nigerians for electoral violence or their involvement in substance abuse.
The President made the call on Tuesday at the maiden Annual National Conference of the 774 Local Government Council Chairmen held at the State House, Abuja. The conference was themed, “Cascading President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to the Grassroots.”
Tinubu was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
The President noted that although the 1999 Constitution assigns responsibility for conducting elections to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), local government chairmen have an important role to play in maintaining peace because of their proximity to the communities where elections are held.
“Nigeria is entering the decisive weeks and months of the election cycle leading up to the 2027 General Election. The 1999 FRN (as amended) has given the responsibility of the umpire to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“However, as leaders of the communities in which elections would take place, you have an overarching responsibility to help create an atmosphere in which every Nigerian can exercise his or her democratic right without fear.
“I urge you to discourage divisions and adopt a zero-tolerance policy for thuggery, intimidation, hate speech and violence. Ensure that our youths are not lured into substance use and abuse, under any disguise,” he said.
Tinubu also urged the council chairmen to help reduce political tensions, support lawful security coordination and protect citizens’ freedom to choose their leaders.
“At the community level, I further urge you as leaders to douse tensions, support lawful security coordination and respect the right of citizens to make their choices freely,” he said.
According to the President, Nigeria’s democracy can only be strengthened when citizens are able to participate peacefully in elections and maintain confidence in the electoral process.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to peaceful and credible elections, while stressing that the Renewed Hope Agenda must translate into tangible improvements in food security, healthcare, education, infrastructure, employment and local enterprise.
Tinubu Challenges Councils to Deliver on Autonomy
The President also challenged local government chairmen to justify the financial autonomy granted to local governments by delivering measurable improvements in the lives of citizens.
Tinubu recalled that his administration approached the Supreme Court to affirm the constitutional rights and financial autonomy of local governments, culminating in the July 11, 2024 judgment.
He stressed that local government autonomy should not be regarded merely as an entitlement but as a tool for improving service delivery at the grassroots.
“The autonomy pronounced in the judgement of the Supreme Court of Nigeria places a huge responsibility on all chairmen, elected councillors and their management to deliver impactful governance at the grassroots,” Tinubu said.
He said Nigerians should begin to see improvements in primary healthcare, basic education, rural roads, potable water, food systems and support for small businesses, as well as increased opportunities for women and young people.
Tinubu further urged local councils to become centres of development planning, effective service delivery, early warning and measurable results through the use of technology, reliable statistics and evidence-based decision-making.
He said the Federal Government’s focus on grassroots development was based on the understanding that sustainable development could not be achieved from the centre alone.
Security Must Be Built Community by Community
Reflecting on security, Tinubu said the issue remained a major priority for his administration, noting that the Federal Government was strengthening, equipping and reforming security institutions while training personnel.
He, however, said sustainable security could not be achieved solely from the centre, arguing that lasting peace must be built “community by community.”
The President therefore directed local government chairmen to deepen collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth and women groups, community associations and lawful security agencies to improve security in their areas.
He said local authorities, because of their closeness to citizens, should be able to identify grievances and emerging threats before they escalate into crises.
Tinubu also warned local governments against remaining passive recipients of Federal Government programmes, urging them to become active development partners capable of coordinating initiatives and innovating to meet the needs of their communities.
He said the establishment of regional development commissions had created additional opportunities for local governments to pursue partnerships and investments suited to their specific needs.
The President urged the chairmen to use the conference to develop practical recommendations for overcoming obstacles to grassroots development.
“History has placed the huge responsibility of transforming your local government areas into models of development that would be the point of reference.
“Therefore, let your tenure be remembered for the lives, communities and systems improved in each of the 774 Local Government Areas,” he said.
