Bamidele Atoyebi, a political advocate and convener of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group (BAT-IG), has drawn attention to what he describes as a widening disconnect between the constitutional role of local governments and their performance at the grassroots, urging citizens to redirect accountability efforts toward council leadership.

Atoyebi argued that while national attention often remains fixed on the Presidency, the responsibility for day to day governance and community welfare lies primarily with local government authorities.

He noted that expectations placed on the Federal Government frequently overlook its broader obligations such as national security and international relations.

According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has long supported the decentralisation of governance, citing his tenure as Governor of Lagos State where he expanded local administrative structures to bring governance closer to the people.

Atoyebi recalled that the move faced resistance at the time, including the withholding of funds by the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, but described it as a defining moment in the push for local autonomy.

He maintained that recent steps toward granting financial and administrative independence to local governments have removed a key justification for underperformance at that level.

However, he observed that many councils have yet to translate this autonomy into tangible development outcomes.

Atoyebi pointed to gaps in basic service delivery, stating that several local governments have not invested in essential infrastructure such as rural roads, water supply systems, or structured procurement processes.

“Very few local councils have taken the initiative to establish procurement departments, invest in rural farm roads, or provide essential water services,” he said.

He added that the absence of targeted economic support at the grassroots continues to affect local productivity, particularly among farmers and small scale traders.

According to him, limited access to micro loans and other forms of local intervention has contributed to rising food prices, despite widespread public criticism directed at federal authorities.

Atoyebi also addressed public perception, noting that many Nigerians tend to attribute governance challenges solely to the centre. He suggested that this pattern of criticism often overlooks the responsibilities of state and local officials, who are directly in charge of schools, roads, and primary healthcare systems within their jurisdictions.

He further linked weak local governance to broader security concerns, warning that neglect at the grassroots can create conditions that fuel instability.

“Security is not just a matter of military might from the top; it is a matter of providing economic stability at the bottom,” he said, stressing the role of local authorities in sustaining community resilience.

Drawing from personal experience, Atoyebi recounted leading a protest as a secondary school student in Kwara State over unpaid salaries that disrupted academic activities. He said the action resulted in swift intervention and the reopening of the school, illustrating the impact of direct civic engagement at the local level.

He also highlighted the activities of the BAT Ideological Group, which he convenes, describing its focus on advocacy for measurable grassroots outcomes. These include proposals for subsidised transport, support for small traders, and improved welfare for security personnel, as well as energy solutions designed for underserved communities.

Atoyebi concluded by calling for increased civic participation, urging Nigerians to organise at the community level and demand transparency from local authorities. He emphasised that while structural autonomy has been established, effective governance at the grassroots will depend on sustained public oversight.

“The President has provided the structural autonomy; now, the citizens must provide the oversight,” he stated, adding that holding local leaders accountable is essential to unlocking the full potential of democratic governance.