Local governments (LGs) are viable instruments of grass-roots political participation and
socialization while elections are means of ensuring regular changes of governments. The main objective of
this paper therefore, is to explore comparatively, the level of citizens’ participation and challenges of the
LG elections in Nigeria between 1999 and 2008 in three states of Nigeria. The data for this paper were
generated from a cross-sectional survey conducted from June to July, 2009. A purposive sample of 455
individuals was selected from three states, Anambra, Plateau and Lagos, which were purposefully selected
because of their peculiarities. Anambra and Plateau were problem states while Lagos had been consistent
in the conduct of local government elections. The paper observed that there was gross apathy among the
respondents. A significant proportion of the respondents was ignorant of the elections and did not
participate in the LG council elections. Major challenges observed from the study were delay in the
provision of electoral materials, snatching and stuffing of ballot boxes, rigging, financial incentives,
intimidation of voters and violence. Therefore, concerted voter education and enlightenment campaigns
should be organized to improve voters’ awareness. Contestants should endeavour to have an intensive
publicity about themselves and their ambitions. In addition, they should be clearly identified in the electoral
process and campaign debates to clarify parties’ manifestos should be encouraged. Finally, political
parties and INEC should agree on a Code of Conduct and ethics for the elections.