The Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCC), Dr Dominic Gameli Hoedoafia, has cautioned against allowing political affiliations to influence the operations of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

According to him, while individuals contesting for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executive (MMDCE) positions may have political leanings, such affiliations should not affect the conduct of business at the assemblies.

Speaking in an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Channel One TV’s Face to Face programme on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, Dr Hoedoafia stressed the need for assemblies to operate professionally and in line with the principles of decentralisation.

“Everyone has political affiliations, but that should not affect how the assemblies operate their businesses,” he said.

Dr Hoedoafia also noted that aspirants seeking election as MMDCEs are prohibited from undergoing community-based vetting or canvassing for votes.

He explained that such activities are unconstitutional and undermine the legal framework governing the election of local government executives.

His remarks come amid ongoing discussions on strengthening local governance and ensuring that the decentralisation process remains free from undue political influence.