Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2027 election, Atiku Abubakar, has promised to ensure that funds meant for local government areas are paid directly to them if elected president.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, Atiku said his administration would uphold the rule of law and strengthen local government autonomy.
The promise comes after the Supreme Court ruled on July 11, 2024, that allocations from the Federation Account should be paid directly to the 774 local government councils rather than being channelled through state governments.
The judgment followed a suit filed by the Federal Government against the 36 state governors over the administration and funding of local governments.
Despite the ruling, some states have yet to fully comply with the directive.
“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.”
Atiku said direct funding would bring development closer to Nigerians at the grassroots, reduce poverty and give local governments greater financial independence.
He also argued that increased financial autonomy would strengthen the ability of local councils to tackle crime and terrorism in their communities.
Atiku Accuses Tinubu Administration
The former vice-president accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of failing to enforce the Supreme Court judgment on direct allocation of funds to local governments.
Atiku alleged that the Federal Government was reluctant to confront APC governors who previously controlled local government funds.
He further claimed that the funds were being retained as an “enticement” for governors to support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Atiku’s camp said the current administration had failed to enforce the Supreme Court ruling despite acknowledging the court’s decision.
The statement also alleged that some APC governors could use local government funds to support political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
In December, President Tinubu warned state governors that he could issue an executive order to enforce direct allocation of funds to local governments if they failed to comply with the Supreme Court judgment.
Source: Statement by Atiku Abubakar’s spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo.
