Allocation Freeze Order: States Announce Timetables for Council Elections

Following the Supreme Court’s judgment to halt the release of allocations to councils managed by caretaker committees, several Nigerian states have unveiled schedules for local government elections. The Supreme Court’s verdict has prompted an immediate response from the states, which are now preparing for democratic elections.

Poll Dates Announced:

Katsina: February 2025

Osun: February 22, 2025

Enugu: October 5, 2024

Benue: November 16, 2024

Kebbi: August 31, 2024

Kwara: September 21, 2024

Imo: September 21, 2024

Rivers: October 5, 2024

Other states including Sokoto, Abia, Anambra, Jigawa, and Ondo have also announced plans for their respective elections.

Today, Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister for the Economy Wale Edun, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and Federal Accounts and Allocation Committee (FAAC) officials are set to meet in Abuja to discuss the implementation of the Supreme Court’s ruling.

An aide to the Attorney-General stated, “The Federal Government, through remarks from Mr. President, has acknowledged the court judgment. It’s up to relevant agencies to begin immediate implementation.”

The Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) has called for increased allocations to the 774 local governments to address grassroots development challenges.

Hashim Abioye, Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC), confirmed that elections are scheduled for February 2025, with preparations in full swing. However, the Osun State Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) has announced a boycott, citing concerns over Abioye’s neutrality due to his alleged affiliation with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Enugu State Commissioner for Information, Aka Eze Aka, reiterated the state’s readiness to conduct the elections as scheduled by the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC). The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure that local government elections are conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rather than state electoral commissions, citing concerns over fairness.

Commissioner for Information Sambo Bello Danchadi announced that council polls are set for September in Sokoto, with exact dates to be determined. The Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) has set November 16 for its council elections. The PDP in Kebbi has confirmed its participation in the August 31 elections, following a meeting of party stakeholders. The Imo State Government has scheduled its council polls for September 21, with preparations underway to ensure credible elections. The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) announced October 5 for its local government elections, although the APC has set conditions for its participation.

Ondo State has set up Transition Committees following the postponement of council polls. In Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde convened an emergency meeting to discuss the Supreme Court judgment, setting up technical and legal committees to review the decision.

The Supreme Court ruling has spurred swift action across states to ensure adherence to the new directive, paving the way for democratic elections at the local government level.