The Progressive Group for Democracy (PGD), a political advocacy organization, has issued a stern warning against attempts by certain local government chairmen in Lagos State to seek re-election for a third term, contravening the Nigerian Constitution. The group, in a press conference held in Abuja, called on President Bola Tinubu, Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene and prevent this alleged breach of constitutional term limits. They specifically urged the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) to disqualify any candidate seeking a third term, comparing the situation to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s unsuccessful bid for a third presidential term.
The PGD’s call to action stems from the recent clearance of 418 local government aspirants by the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the upcoming July 12 council polls. While the APC conducted its screening process, the PGD alleges that certain incumbent chairmen who previously completed two terms in office are maneuvering to extend their tenure illegally. They argue that these chairmen, some of whom initially assumed office following the death of elected officials and subsequently won re-election, are now using legal technicalities to justify another term.
Aladesanmi Salawu, the National Coordinator of the PGD, emphasized the clarity of the Fourth Alteration Bill No. 16, signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018. This amendment explicitly limits local government chairmen to two terms in office, regardless of how they initially assumed office. Salawu argued that completing a term after succeeding a deceased chairman and subsequently winning re-election constitutes fulfilling the constitutional two-term limit. Any further attempt to seek office, he maintains, constitutes a blatant disregard for the law and a dangerous precedent for democratic governance in Nigeria.
The PGD’s argument centers on the supremacy of the Nigerian Constitution over any state laws, including the Lagos State Local Government Administration Law. They contend that any interpretation of the state law that allows for a third term contradicts the federal constitution and is therefore invalid. They further emphasize the potential for abuse and erosion of democratic principles if such maneuvers are allowed to succeed. The group sees this alleged attempt at term elongation as a calculated move by anti-democratic forces to undermine the constitutional framework and manipulate the electoral process for personal gain.
To prevent this alleged constitutional violation, the PGD demands a clear and unequivocal stance from President Tinubu, the Attorney General, and Governor Sanwo-Olu. They believe that these key figures have a responsibility to uphold the constitution and prevent any actions that could jeopardize the integrity of the electoral system. They specifically call on the Attorney General to issue an advisory opinion clarifying the term limits for local government officials and instructing LASIEC to adhere to the constitutional provisions. They also urge President Tinubu to publicly denounce any attempts to circumvent the two-term limit, signaling a commitment to upholding the rule of law.
The group warns that if their demands are not met, they are prepared to pursue all available legal avenues to challenge what they perceive as a dangerous precedent. They view this issue as a critical test of Nigeria’s commitment to constitutionalism and democratic principles. The PGD emphasizes that allowing these incumbent chairmen to seek a third term would not only violate the law but also send a detrimental message about the sanctity of electoral processes and the respect for term limits. They believe that acquiescing to such maneuvers would embolden other politicians to disregard constitutional provisions, leading to a slippery slope toward authoritarianism and undermining the foundations of democratic governance in Nigeria. They therefore call on all stakeholders, including civil society organizations and the media, to join their efforts in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral system and upholding the principles of constitutionalism.
