Niger State Council Elections:
Balancing Consensus with Democratic Participation
The recent stir caused by the announcement to conduct elections into Niger State local government councils and the governor’s pronouncement to adopt consensus method of selecting flag bearers has yet to subside, primarily due to the unexpected adoption of a consensus method by the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), for selecting candidates for both chairmanship and councilorship positions.
Political maneuvering has reached its zenith, with numerous aspirants engaging in the elimination of rivals by concocting allegations or fabricating criteria to ensure disqualification.
My initial plan was to refrain from making any comments or offering analyses regarding the prospects of any aspirant until the primary elections had concluded. Nonetheless, given the persistent inquiries from numerous individuals involved in political discourse who have been eager to hear my opinion on this subject, I have decided to share my insights in response.
Typically, there are three primary methods employed to select candidates for general elections. The first is the ‘Direct Primary,’ a process in which all bona fide party members participate by voting for the aspirant they support, making their choice directly known.
The second method is the ‘Indirect Primary,’ which involves the selection of delegates chosen from within the party; these delegates then cast votes on behalf of the general party membership, acting as representatives of the broader party base. Lastly, there is ‘Consensuship,’ a strategy that places the responsibility of candidate selection in the hands of a select few senior party members.
The Consensus method is often noted for being more financially affordable and simpler to organize compared to the other methods; however, it is not without its disadvantages and criticisms. While it may streamline the candidate selection process and reduce costs, it can also limit the democratic participation of the wider party membership and foster perceptions of exclusivity or lack of transparency.
In reality, the situation has sparked concern among certain political factions, who worry that the task of choosing candidates for the upcoming council elections could result in choices that diverge from their preferred aspirants. This anxiety has led to accusations not only directed at candidates who are rumored to be favored but also aimed at the key figures involved in the selection process.
Many people may not realize that several key criteria are considered when selecting candidates. These include the candidate’s integrity, their political experience, or leadership acumen, particularly within public service roles. Additionally, the ability to effectively address and deliver on the needs and concerns of various communities is crucial.
Candidates are also expected to align with the vision of Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for a ‘New Niger,’ showcasing a commitment to progressive change and development. These are just a few essential attributes that inform the selection process.
However, there is a growing debate about the implementation of a zoning system and the age qualifications for a candidate in political races. Some advocate that individuals who have previously occupied senior roles should refrain from contesting, suggesting that participating in such races is beneath their esteemed status.
These arguments often stem from narrow-minded and self-serving rationales aimed at bolstering their own prospects for securing the nomination, creating a contentious dialogue about the eligibility and suitability of candidates.
The notion of using age as a barrier for positions such as chairmanship or councillorship is one that warrants scrutiny. It is often argued that as long as a candidate reaches the age of 30 for chairmanship or 25 for councillorship, they should be considered eligible, regardless of other age-related criteria. Meanwhile, systems such as zoning, although seemingly promoting fairness and equal representation, might inadvertently hinder the establishment of effective governance. This is because they can exclude some of the finest and most competent candidates from ascending to leadership roles, consequently depriving society of individuals with the potential to effectively steer its progress and address its needs.
The most short-sighted argument I have encountered is the notion that individuals who have previously held positions of higher authority than the chairmanship should not aim for the chairmanship role. I find this reasoning extremely absurd because a local government council is an incredibly vital layer of governance that should not be entrusted to incompetent individuals.
In fact, any local government council that has the opportunity to be led by someone who has previously occupied a higher office and has a commendable track record without any blemishes should see itself as fortunate. Such experience and integrity can only serve to enhance the council’s effectiveness and reputation.
Throughout history in Nigeria, numerous distinguished individuals have held pivotal roles, leaving a significant impact on the country’s governance and development. A noteworthy example is the former Minister of Finance, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji from Sokoto State, who served during the tenure of President Ibrahim Babangida.
In addition to managing the nation’s finances, he also occupied essential positions such as the Minister of State for Budget and Planning in 1988. His expertise was further recognized when he was appointed as the High Commissioner to the United Kingdom during the mid-1990s. Moreover, he played substantial roles as the Permanent Secretary in various ministries, including the Federal Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of Finance.
In recognition of his extensive public service contributions, the governors of Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara States collectively appointed him as their Honorary Adviser in 1999, after his retirement from public duties.
Similarly, the former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, once served as the Military Head of State. He was appointed as the Executive Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) from 1994 to 1999 by General Sani Abacha, tasked with overseeing initiatives in sectors such as road construction, water supply, and education. Subsequently, he was elected as the President of Nigeria on two occasions.
In our homeland, we had Alhaji Awwal Ibrahim, the inaugural elected executive governor of Niger State, who later ascended to the position of Emir of Suleja, which constitutionally falls under the jurisdiction of a council chairman.
The late Alhaji Bagudu Shettima (Shettiman Nupe) was a distinguished civil servant and former chairman of the federal civil service in Nigeria. Professor Shehu Bida (Marafan Nupe) was a prominent figure in Northern Nigeria, acclaimed as the first professor of veterinary medicine in the region and the first professor from Nupe land. He also served as a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, marking a significant academic achievement as the first Nigerian veterinary lecturer there in 1973. Both of revered memory, they each, at one point in their lives, held the position of chairman of the Bida local government council.
Why is there so much attention and discussion surrounding the involvement of someone who has previously held a higher political office in the context of a local council race?
In any case, the candidate’s integrity stands at the forefront, setting a foundational criterion for their selection, alongside their extensive political experience and demonstrated leadership skills, particularly those honed within public service roles.
Furthermore, their competency manifests not only through innovative ideas but also through their clearly articulated vision for the future, ensuring all these elements are at the forefront of consideration during the selection process.
Finally, I would like to address the women specifically: the vice chairmanship position has been designated for women, but that should not deter them from aspiring for the chairmanship as well. It raises the question of why we aren’t seeing more women stepping forward to compete for this higher leadership role in the race.
May those entrusted with the decision-making process, including stakeholders and committee members, be guided to choose the most capable and outstanding candidates among the top aspirants.
Hamza Waziri.
