Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 election, has pledged to enforce the Supreme Court’s July 11, 2024, ruling that mandates direct payment of local government funds from the Federation Account to Nigeria’s 774 local government areas. In a statement released on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, Atiku emphasized that his administration would ensure compliance with the judgment and restore financial autonomy to local governments. He stated that this move is central to his vision of true federalism and grassroots development.
The Supreme Court’s decision came after a legal battle between the Federal Government and the 36 state governors over the control and distribution of local government allocations. The ruling requires that statutory funds meant for local councils be paid directly into their accounts, bypassing state governments. Despite the landmark judgment, several states have yet to fully implement it, raising concerns about accountability and misuse of public funds.
Atiku said his government will respect court decisions and prioritize local government autonomy as a key policy. “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 declared. He believes direct access to funds will empower local councils to deliver essential services, execute infrastructure projects, and improve overall governance at the community level.
He also highlighted that stronger local governments can play a crucial role in enhancing security and reducing poverty. By enabling councils to manage their resources effectively, Atiku argues, communities can better address crime, terrorism, and economic hardship. This, he says, will lead to more resilient and self-reliant local economies across Nigeria.
Atiku criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for failing to enforce the Supreme Court ruling. He accused the federal government of avoiding confrontation with APC state governors who have historically controlled local government funds. According to him, these funds are being used as political tools to secure support for Tinubu’s re-election campaign in 2027. “The current administration has failed to enforce this judgment, seemingly to avoid confronting the gluttonous APC state governors who previously controlled these funds, as an enticement to them to use the local government funds to buy votes for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election,” the statement noted.
Atiku insists that giving local governments control over their statutory allocations will enhance transparency and accountability. He stressed that public money must be used for its intended purpose—grassroots development. As the 2027 elections approach, his stance positions local government autonomy as a litmus test for genuine democratic reform and federal restructuring in Nigeria.
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