Councillors Move to Reclaim Grassroots Power Ahead of 2027 Elections

The National Councillors Forum of Nigeria (NCFN) has called on councillors across the country to reclaim their place in local governance and remain united as the nation prepares for the 2027 general elections.

NCFN National President, Evoh Okechukwu Nwikegwu, made the call on Monday in Abuja during the forum’s National Executive Council meeting.

Nwikegwu said councillors, despite being the elected representatives closest to the people, had for years been pushed into the background of governance. He urged them to use the period leading to the 2027 elections to reassert their relevance and strengthen their influence at the grassroots.

According to him, councillors must work together, remain focused and adopt strategic approaches to ensure their contributions to governance are recognised.

He also reminded councillors that political office comes with responsibility, stressing that residents would ultimately assess them based on their achievements in their respective wards rather than the positions they occupy.

NCFN Backs Tinubu’s 2027 Bid

Nwikegwu further urged members of the forum to mobilise grassroots support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.

He pointed to what he described as gains recorded by local governments under the Tinubu administration, particularly the 2024 Supreme Court judgment on local government financial autonomy.

The judgment directed that allocations meant for Nigeria’s 774 local government areas should be paid directly from the Federation Account into council coffers.

Describing the ruling as a “fiscal liberation,” the NCFN president encouraged councillors to help educate residents about government policies and programmes while ensuring that the benefits of such initiatives reach local communities.

He also cited ongoing road projects and the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme as programmes councillors should support and promote at the grassroots.

Forum Moves to Strengthen Collaboration

Nwikegwu disclosed that the NCFN would establish committees to deepen collaboration between councillors, government agencies and other relevant stakeholders.

The committees, he said, would help ensure that government programmes have a more visible impact on communities and that councillors play a stronger role in facilitating development at the local level.

However, he cautioned members against creating parallel leadership structures within the forum, warning that internal divisions could undermine its unity and effectiveness.

He called on councillors to place peace, transparency, accountability and the collective interest above personal ambitions.

With the 2027 elections approaching, the NCFN leadership believes councillors have an opportunity to move from the sidelines to the centre of grassroots governance by strengthening their institutions, delivering tangible results and reconnecting with the people they represent.