Let’s talk about what just happened in Nigeria’s recent local government elections. If you noticed a suspicious trend, you’re not alone. Across states, one thing was clear: the ruling parties took nearly every chairmanship seat in their regions. Coincidence? Let’s break down the facts and look at what might be going on here.
Here’s What Happened
Each state seemed to go all in for the ruling party in its local government. Here’s a quick snapshot:
- Kaduna (APC): APC swept all 21 seats.
- Adamawa (PDP): PDP won all 21 seats.
- Akwa Ibom (PDP): PDP took 30 out of 31.
- Anambra (APGA): APGA got 21 out of 21.
- Benue (APC): APC claimed every single one of the 23 seats.
- Enugu (PDP): PDP secured all 17.
And the list goes on, following the same pattern across states like Delta, Borno, Kwara, Oyo, and more. Each ruling party seemed to “win” nearly all seats in their home state. While this might look like a flawless victory, it leaves us with questions.
Coincidence? Or Controlled?
One or two “clean sweeps” might be a fluke, but when it happens in almost every state, people start raising eyebrows. The pattern almost feels too perfect. How likely is it that every ruling party has all the best candidates, every time? It’s like flipping a coin a dozen times and getting heads every time. Possible? Sure. Likely? Not really.
The Power of Local Elections
Local government elections might not get the hype of national elections, but they’re the backbone of democracy. These are the leaders closest to the people, handling issues that hit home—roads, schools, hospitals, and more. A truly fair and competitive local election gives communities a voice. But when one party wins everything, it can feel like that voice is being drowned out.
Is There Room for Real Competition?
In many of these states, the pattern suggests that opposition parties struggle to compete fairly. The big question is: are we really getting the best leaders, or just the ones who are part of the in-group? When ruling parties secure every chairmanship, it begs the question of whether the system is set up to allow for real competition.
Why It Matters to YOU(th)
For young people in Nigeria, these trends matter because local leaders shape day-to-day life. From opportunities to infrastructure, local government decisions affect what kind of environment we live in. If every election feels like a rubber-stamped result, where’s the incentive to believe in change?
The Future of Fair Elections
At the end of the day, it’s about trust. Youth turnout in elections is already low. But when people see results that seem “pre-determined,” they’re less likely to believe that their votes actually matter. Restoring faith in the system isn’t just a nice idea—it’s essential.
So, What’s Next?
It’s up to the people, especially the youth, to question, to demand, and to advocate for transparency. As it stands, it’s hard to ignore that something’s off. Let’s keep our eyes open and our voices heard, because democracy only works when the people have a real choice.
Ruling parties sweeping the seats might look like “strength,” but strength isn’t supposed to be about monopoly. It’s about choice, accountability, and letting the people pick who they truly believe in. Be Involved, be the change you want to see. You matter, and your votes should as well
#BeInvolved
