Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Atiku Abubakar, has pledged to enforce the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 local government areas if elected president.
Atiku said his administration would ensure that statutory allocations meant for local governments from the Federation Account are paid directly to the councils rather than being routed through state governments.
His position was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo.
The Supreme Court, on July 11, 2024, ruled that funds meant for local government councils should be paid directly to them. The judgment followed a suit filed by the Federal Government against the 36 state governors over the control and funding of local governments.
Despite the ruling, some states have yet to fully implement the judgment.
Atiku said enforcing the decision would be a key part of his administration’s efforts to strengthen grassroots governance and development.
“My administration will respect court judgments, protect local government autonomy, ensure that public funds reach the people for whom they are meant, and restore true federalism,” he said.
According to him, direct access to statutory allocations would give local governments greater capacity to provide basic services and execute development projects.
He added that stronger local councils could contribute to improved grassroots security by helping tackle crime and terrorism, while also addressing poverty and underdevelopment.
Atiku also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for what he described as a failure to enforce the Supreme Court judgment.
He alleged that the Federal Government had been reluctant to confront some state governors over the issue, claiming that local government funds were being used as an incentive to secure political support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The former vice-president maintained that granting local governments control over their statutory allocations would strengthen accountability and ensure that funds intended for grassroots development are used for their stated purposes.
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