Meaning of section 7 (4) of 1999 constitution

What is the Meaning of section 7 subsection four of Nigeria 1999 constitution. In this article I will like to explain the Meaning of section 7 (4) of 1999 constitution

Meaning of section 7 (4) of 1999 constitution

The section 7 subsection 4 of Nigeria 1999 constitution Power of Local government stated that

The Government of a State shall ensure that every person who is entitled to vote or be voted for at an election to House of Assembly shall have the right to vote or be voted for at an election to a local government council

This section is about the right to vote and participate in local government elections. Specifically, it states that:

– Every person who is eligible to vote in State Assembly elections

– Should also have the right to vote in local government council elections

– Similarly, every person who is eligible to run for office in State Assembly elections

– Should also have the right to run for office in local government council elections

In essence, this section ensures that the same people who have the right to participate in State-level elections also have the same rights in local government elections. This aims to promote consistency, fairness, and equal participation in both State and local government electoral processes.

In addition word

This clause is stating that the government of each state must ensure the following:

1. Every person who has the right to vote or run as a candidate in elections for the state’s House of Assembly (the state legislative body) must also have the right to vote or be voted for in elections for the local government councils.

In other words, the same people who are eligible to participate in state-level elections (by voting or running as candidates) must also be allowed to participate in the elections for the local government councils.

The intent behind this seems to be:

1. To guarantee that the right to political participation at the local government level is equal to that at the state level.

2. To ensure there is no arbitrary exclusion or disenfranchisement of citizens from the local election process.

3. To promote consistent and universal political rights, where people’s franchise is not limited only to state-level elections.

By mandating that state governments uphold this right, the provision appears aimed at safeguarding the principle of equal political representation, where local government elections are just as accessible as state-level ones.