democratic consolidation in Nigeria's Fourth Republic. Despite the constitutional recognition of local governments as the third tier of administration, their functional

and financial independence remains a subject of intensive debate. The central problem

addressed is the persistent interference by state governments through the State Joint Local

Government Account (SJLGA) and the appointment of caretaker committees, which

undermine the democratic essence of local governance. Utilising a qualitative research

methodology, the study relies on secondary data sources, including academic journals,

constitutional provisions and official reports. The theoretical framework is grounded in the

Decentralization Theory, which posits that bringing government closer to the people enhances

accountability and political participation. Findings reveal that local government autonomy in

Nigeria is more of a myth than a reality, stifled by ''political capture'' and constitutional

ambiguities. Findings from the study shows that without a distinct separation of powers

between the state and local levels, democratic consolidation-characterised by stable,

transparent and participatory governance-remains elusive. Consequently, the study concludes

that local government autonomy is a prerequisite for deepening democracy. It recommends a

comprehensive constitutional amendment to abolish the State Joint Local Government

Account (SJLGA), the empowerment of the Independent National Electoral Commission

(INEC) to conduct local polls, and the enforcement of direct funding to local councils to

ensure that they serve as effective catalysts for grassroots development and democratic

stability.