Gombe State, Nigeria – The people of Gombe State will have the opportunity to elect their local government representatives on April 27, 2024. The state electoral commission announced the date on Thursday, following the approval of Governor Muhammadu Yahaya.

The last local government election in Gombe State was held in December 2020, when the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) swept all the 11 local government areas and 114 wards in the state.

The chairperson of the state electoral commission, Saidu Awak, said the decision to hold the election was in line with the constitutional mandate of the commission and the governor’s commitment to democratic governance.

He urged all political parties interested in participating in the election to conduct their primaries within the time frame that will be given to them. He also called on the parties to ensure that they abide by the rules and regulations of the electoral process and maintain peace and order.

Challenges and Expectations

The local government election in Gombe State comes amid various challenges and expectations from the citizens and the stakeholders. Some of the issues that may affect the conduct and outcome of the election include:

• The security situation: Gombe State is located in the northeastern region of Nigeria, which has been plagued by insurgency and violence for over a decade. The state has witnessed several attacks and kidnappings by armed groups, especially in the border areas with Borno and Yobe states. The security agencies will have to ensure that the election is held in a safe and secure environment, and that the voters and the candidates are protected from any threat or intimidation.
• The economic situation: Gombe State, like many other states in Nigeria, is facing economic challenges due to the global and national recession, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the low revenue from oil and other sources. The state government has been struggling to pay salaries and pensions, provide basic services, and implement development projects. The voters will have to decide whether the current administration has performed well in managing the state’s resources and addressing their needs and aspirations.
• The political situation: Gombe State is considered a stronghold of the APC, the ruling party at the federal level and in most states in the country. The party has been in power in the state since 2019, when Governor Yahaya defeated the candidate of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which had ruled the state for 16 years. The APC will have to prove that it has delivered on its promises and deserves another term in the local government councils. The PDP and other parties will have to challenge the APC’s dominance and offer alternative policies and programs to the electorate.

A Test of Democracy 

The local government election in Gombe State is not only a test of the state’s electoral commission and the security agencies, but also a test of the state’s democracy and development. The local government is the closest level of government to the people, and it is responsible for providing essential services such as health, education, water, sanitation, and roads. The election is an opportunity for the people to exercise their civic rights and duties, and to hold their leaders accountable. It is also an opportunity for the leaders to demonstrate their commitment to the rule of law, the respect for human rights, and the promotion of peace and unity.

The global news agencies and sources will be following the election closely and reporting on its conduct and outcome. The election is expected to attract national and international attention, as it may have implications for the future of Gombe State and Nigeria as a whole.

Source: Punch