Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has attributed the confusion surrounding local government elections to impunity. In an interview with Arise News from 21:27, Falana stated that the usual practice is for elections to be conducted by INEC before the expiration of the term of office, just like governorship and House of Assembly elections.
However, Falana noted that in this case, there are problems. He explained that the governor had opposed the extension of the tenure of local government officials, while those whose term has expired are refusing to leave office. This has created confusion, which Falana believes will ultimately be resolved by the court.
“You cannot leave the council without being managed, ordinarily the elections should have been conducted, just like you have Governorship election or election into the Houses of Assembly, Elections are held by INEC before the expiration of the term of office of those who’re in power, but in this case, there are problems. The Governor was fighting the extension of the tenure of the Local Government officials, those whose term has expired say they’re not going to leave office. So, you have a lot of confusion again, all based on impunity. At the end of the day, the Court will decide”…..Sée Móre
