Local Government as a Platform for Political Participation in Nigeria (a Case Study of Akoko Edo Local Government Area, Edo State)

ABSTRACT The topic of this study of Local government as a platform for political participation (a case study of Akoko Edo local government area Edo state) This research work is aimed at finding out the how local government performs the duty of breeding political actors. In this project work, the researcher sourced his data through questionnaires, textbooks and government publications. The reliability of the instrument was tested and proved reliable. Based on the findings of the researcher, The researcher concludes that lack of financial autonomy and state government control has made it impossible for the local government to remain genuinely an agent for political participation, it should be financially autonomous and free from under state government interference. The following recommendations were made Akoko Edo Local Government should be able to enlighten the both the electorate and the politician on political issues, does and don’ts. It should help them achieve their aim by massive support, campaign and awareness. The local government should also be a medium were information from states and federal government are disseminated. The council should device means of eradicating official corruption and enhances accountability. The system of unelected caretaker committee as introduced under military dictatorship and still been practiced from 2002 till date and should be discouraged and discontinued because such system negates and defeats the primary purpose of the creation of local government.