The All Progressives Congress (APC) has disclosed that it would not feature candidates in the local government election scheduled for December 2026 in 33 local government areas.

The state publicity secretary of the party, Olawale Sadare, in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday, described the conduct of the election as illegal, ill-conceived, and self-serving.

He added that it would further worsen the current situation at the grassroots level in the state.

Sadare said the party would not only boycott everything related to the planned poll but would also join hands with other patriots and rational minds to prevent Governor Makinde from wasting taxpayers’ money on a process allegedly aimed at installing his allies in local government councils after he leaves office on 29 May 2027.

“The whole world knows that Governor Makinde does not believe in local government autonomy, and when it comes to democracy at the grassroots, he cannot be trusted for anything,” he said.

He added that the governor has “feasted on the resources of the 33 local government councils in the state for over seven years,” claiming that residents are eager for his exit so that the third tier of government can regain its autonomy.

Sadare further alleged that the governor was attempting to impose loyalists who would remain politically aligned to him even after leaving office, adding that this would be impossible after the 2027 general elections, which he claimed would alter the political balance in the state.

He also stated that recent efforts by the Tinubu administration to strengthen local government autonomy show that Nigerians deserve better governance at the grassroots level.

According to him, the situation in some rural communities has worsened due to alleged mismanagement of local government funds.

He cited Oriire Local Government Area, claiming it receives over ₦550 million monthly from federal allocation but has little to show for it due to the state’s joint account system.

Sadare described previous local government elections in 2020 and 2024 as “fraudulent exercises,” insisting that the people would not tolerate another such process.

He warned those involved in the conduct of the election to desist or face consequences, accusing them of attempting to manipulate democratic processes for personal gain. (Nigerian Tribune)

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