Fifty-six serving councillors in Anambra State have filed a lawsuit challenging the state government’s decision to limit local government officials to two years in office.

The suit, filed at the State High Court in Awka, names the Attorney General, the Anambra State House of Assembly, and the State Independent Electoral Commission as defendants.

The councillors argued that the two-year tenure violates Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees a democratic local government system with stable tenure.

They want the court to declare the relevant section of the state electoral law unconstitutional and strike it down.

The plaintiffs are seeking a full four-year term like other elected officials at federal and state levels. They also want an order stopping any election that would replace them before their term ends and an injunction against interference with their mandate.

The case comes shortly before the planned local government elections on August 29. The Anambra State House of Assembly had amended the electoral law in 2024 to set the two-year limit for chairmen and councillors.

This legal challenge highlights ongoing tensions over local government autonomy in the state. Many are watching to see how the court will rule on the matter, as it could affect the upcoming polls and future governance at the grassroots level.

Photo credit: The Nigeria Lawyer