In a display of civic duty, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State participated in the Local Government Council elections, casting his ballot at precisely 12 PM at Unit 001 Kirchinga Ward in the Madagali Local Government Area on Saturday.
This election, crucial for the local governance of Adamawa, comes on the heels of a groundbreaking Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas. The ruling prohibits the 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from unilaterally removing elected chairmen from office, ensuring greater stability and independence at the local government level.
The Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission (ADSIEC) is overseeing the election of 21 Local Government Council chairmen and 226 Ward Councilors. Reflecting a significant step towards gender equality, the election mandates that each of the 21 chairmanship candidates must have a female running mate. This gender mainstreaming initiative aims to ensure that irrespective of which party emerges victorious, there will be a balanced representation of men and women in local government leadership.
Governor Fintiri, speaking passionately about the initiative, stated, “This government belongs to the women and the youth as the next future leaders, hence the need for our administration to give them more priority. Hopefully, by 2027 when my administration is leaving the seat of power, there will be a breed of youthful yet energetic new leaders to take over.”
Voters interviewed by Pioneer expressed cautious optimism about the election’s credibility. “So far, it looks credible, we don’t know what will follow,” one voter remarked. However, the process was marred by logistical issues, with voting starting behind schedule due to the late arrival of materials and electoral officials at various polling units.
Despite these challenges, the atmosphere remained charged with anticipation and hope, as the people of Adamawa State exercised their democratic rights, contributing to the shaping of their local governance and the future of their communities.
PIONEER NEWS 