The impact of political interference on Local Government Administration in Nigeria: Experience from Plateau State

Politics and administration are closely related but distinct from each other. This study examined whether politics have positive and or negative impact on Local Government Administration generally, and in specific terms: Plateau State. An evaluation of the historical development of local government system before and after colonial rule in Nigeria was carried out and a critical analysis of the role this third tier of government plays in the socio-economic development of the grassroots. This study utilised existing literature, observation, interview and focus group discussion on the subject matter. It is therefore the opinion of this study that under normal circumstances, politics and administration are two sides of the same coin. They are inseparable and complement one another for the most part. Politics is about making policies while the policies are implemented by the administrators. Whereas the administrators provide advice to the politicians in the formulation of policies, it was observed that politicians intrude and interfere in the affairs of the local government administrators most often negatively thereby truncating the needed grassroots development in Nigeria.