Prior to 1976,the local government system practiced in Northern Nigeria was

Prior to 1976, the local government system practiced in Northern Nigeria was the "chief-and-council" system. This system was based on the traditional leadership of chiefs who were selected by the people to lead their communities. The chiefs were assisted by a council of elders who advised them on matters of governance. This system was characterized by a hierarchical structure where the authority of the chief was absolute, and decisions were made by consensus among the council members. However, the 1976 Local Government Reforms abolished the chief-and-council system and introduced a new system of local government based on elected councils.