Civil society leaders demand scrutiny of 2027 governorship candidates on allocations, insecurity
Three political and civil society figures on AIT's Kakaaki programme Tuesday called for greater public scrutiny of governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 elections, arguing that increased federal allocations to states demand accountability that isn't happening. Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room's Austin Aigbe, NDC stalwart Patrice Akwara, and Accord Party South-east chairman Maxwell Igbokwe warned that political attention remains fixated on the presidency while governors operate with minimal oversight.
Akwara said citizens, civil society, and media must redirect focus to state governments and demand town hall meetings where governors explain how they'll translate larger allocations into improved living conditions. Igbokwe criticised the emphasis on flyovers and bridges, arguing such projects don't put food on poor Nigerians' tables. He challenged governors to develop industrialisation plans that create jobs rather than infrastructure that doesn't address economic hardship.
On opposition readiness, Aigbe questioned whether parties are building genuine state-level support or relying on national popularity. He cited 2015 as evidence that presidential coattails can determine state outcomes, warning that voter tendency to support the same party across levels weakens subnational competition.
The proposed state police framework sparked debate. Igbokwe opposed it under current arrangements, describing governors as "emperors" who already control legislatures and local governments—giving them police power would concentrate danger. Akwara countered that since state assemblies endorsed the proposal, candidates should present detailed security plans with safeguards against abuse. Aigbe argued fiscal federalism deserves equal attention.
All three agreed the 2027 governorship and state assembly elections deserve far more public attention than they're getting. With governors controlling unprecedented resources and potentially state police, the stakes for accountability have never been higher.
Will voters demand the same scrutiny for their governor that they reserve for the president?