Shehu Sani Urges Tinubu’s Govt To Change LG ‘Chairman’ Title, Suggests New Title
- Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has called for the change of the title of Local Government ‘Chairmen’ in the country
- Senator Sani said the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government should change the LG ‘chairman’ title to ‘mayor’
- Nigerians have taken to social media to react to Senator Sani's reason for coming for a change of title for LG chairmen.
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
FCT, Abuja - Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, said the federal government should change the title of Local Government ‘Chairmen’
Senator Sani said the title of Local Government ‘Chairmen’ should be changed to Mayors.
Source: Facebook
He argued that the title of “Chairman’ doesn’t properly reflect an executive position.
According to the All Progressives Congress (APC) said the title of “Chairman’ makes no sense.
He stated this via his Facebook page on Sunday, September 21, 2025.
“The title of Local Government ‘Chairmen’ should be changed to Mayors. This title of “Chairman’ doesn’t properly reflect an executive position and makes no sense.”
Reactions as Shehu Sani calls for change of LG ‘chairman’ title
Abdulhasib Akolo Adams
In my opinion, I don't think the title "Mayor" will fit in Nigeria, because most of them are not elected but selected, so it's "Chairmen" that fits them.
Samuel Oliseyenum
There's nothing in a name. We are practicing presidential systems of government
The president is head of state and government.
Are we practicing the same by upholding the rule of law, the separation of powers, the independence of the judiciary, and many? What of our institutions as well?
Bashir Suleiman Bayero
Renaming Local Government Chairmen to Mayors would be a game-changer!
The current title is somewhat ambiguous, whereas Mayor clearly conveys executive leadership and responsibility.
The suggestion is to change the title of Local Government leaders from Chairman to Mayor.
The argument is that Chairman doesn't accurately convey the executive nature of the role, whereas Mayor implies a more fitting leadership position. This change could potentially bring more clarity and prestige to the role. It's time for a title that matches the role's significance!
Source: Facebook
Mohd Zulkiflu Ahmad
A mayor is the leader of a town or city government, acting as its chief executive, a ceremonial figure, or both, depending on the local system of governance. Their powers and responsibilities vary significantly by location, but their role is to govern a municipality, sometimes appointed by the public or a council. The word "mayor" comes from the Latin word maior, meaning "greater" or "superior".
While a chairman is the leader of a business meeting or group. The chairman often opens a meeting by addressing the group and explaining what the agenda will be. Charities, clubs, and the boards of companies have a chairman who acts as president or leader. title
Nigeria’s grassroots problem is beyond titles - Analyst
A political analyst, Tobi Olukoya, has said that changing the title of local government chairman to mayor will not solve the problems affecting governance at the grassroots.
“I personally do not believe the reason Nigerians are disengaged from their local government authorities has anything to do with the names they are called. The issue runs much deeper,” he told Legit.ng.
“At its core lies a troubling disconnect between leadership and the people, a gap that has continued to weaken trust and participation at the grassroots level,” Olukoya added.
The analyst explained that for many Nigerians, the workings of government are not well understood. He said this lack of understanding has created a “dangerous habit of over-fixation on the federal government, while neglecting the local tier that should, by design, be their first point of contact.”
According to him, citizens often look to Abuja for solutions, forgetting that effective governance and development begin at the local level.
“Moving forward, local government authorities must take deliberate steps to bridge this divide. They need to build stronger bonds with the communities they serve, foster more participatory dialogue, and communicate in ways that resonate with the everyday realities of their people,” he noted.
By reconnecting with citizens at this fundamental level, Olukoya stressed, local governments can “inspire trust, drive development, and remind Nigerians that governance is not distant, it begins right at their doorstep.”
Shehu Sani mentions regions with highest appointments
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the two regions with the highest beneficiaries of political appointments and projects under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration are.
Sani said the North West and the South West regions have benefited the most from Tinubu's government.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain lambasted politicians who said Tinubu's administration favours the south against the north.
Editorial assistant Ololade Olatimehin provided exclusive commentary from a political analyst for this report.
Source: Legit.ng
