Valentine Ozigbo, a former gubernatorial candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State, has called on Governor Charles Soludo to hold Local Government (LG) elections within the next three months. Ozigbo’s appeal follows a recent Supreme Court ruling that grants full financial autonomy to local governments in Nigeria.

In a statement posted on his official X handle, Ozigbo emphasized the need for timely action from Governor Soludo. The Supreme Court’s decision mandates that local government allocations from the Federation Account be paid directly to them and that the appointment of Caretaker Committees by state governors is deemed illegal and unconstitutional.

Ozigbo, who is running for governor in the 2025 elections under the Labour Party, urged Soludo to transition from promises to concrete steps in organizing LG elections. He highlighted the importance of these elections for enabling grassroots democracy, ensuring transparency, accountability, and addressing local needs.

He stated, “We call on Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo to immediately put in motion concrete steps and timelines for the conduct of Local Government Elections in the State in not more than three months. While the Supreme Court is compelling Governor Soludo to fulfill his promise of over two years to conduct a Local Government Election, it is expected that he understands that this is the time to move from rhetoric and promises to action.”

The Supreme Court’s ruling underscores the need for local governments to operate with greater autonomy and democratic legitimacy, reflecting a broader push for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s political system.