According to a report from The Punch, Former Kaduna Central lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has called on the federal government to replace the title of Local Government “Chairman” with “Mayor,” arguing that the current designation fails to capture the executive responsibilities of the role.
Sani, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the appeal in a Facebook post on Sunday, September 21, 2025.
He noted that while local government leaders exercise executive authority within their jurisdictions, the title “Chairman” is largely associated with presiding over meetings rather than governing.
“The title of Local Government ‘Chairman’ should be changed to Mayor.
This title of ‘Chairman’ doesn’t properly reflect an executive position and makes no sense,” the former senator wrote.
His comments have stirred diverse reactions on social media.
While some Nigerians backed the proposal, saying “Mayor” better conveys leadership and responsibility, others dismissed it as unnecessary.
Abdulhasib Akolo Adams argued that most local government officials are appointed rather than elected, making “Chairman” more accurate.
Another commentator, Samuel Oliseyenum, insisted that titles mean little unless Nigeria fully embraces the principles of a presidential system, such as separation of powers and judicial independence.
Supporters like Bashir Suleiman Bayero described the suggestion as a “game-changer,” maintaining that the title “Mayor” would bring clarity, prestige, and international alignment to the office.
Globally, mayors are widely recognized as the heads of municipal governments, with the term originating from the Latin word maior, meaning “greater” or “superior.”
By contrast, a chairman is typically seen as one who presides over meetings, boards, or committees.
While the debate continues, Senator Sani’s proposal has reignited discussions about strengthening local government autonomy and aligning political titles with the realities of executive governance in Nigeria. See, More, Here>>>>
