Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has pledged to ensure the direct payment of funds allocated to local government councils if elected President in the 2027 general election.
Atiku said his administration would uphold the rule of law, respect court judgments and protect the constitutional autonomy of local governments across the country.
The pledge was contained in a statement issued on Monday by his official spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo.
According to the statement, Atiku believes Nigeria should be governed in accordance with the rule of law and promised to build what he described as a truly federal system in which all tiers of government enjoy their constitutional independence.
The former Vice-President’s camp referenced the July 2024 Supreme Court judgment on local government financial autonomy, which ruled on issues relating to the direct allocation of local government funds.
The statement accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of failing to fully enforce the judgment, alleging that political considerations were responsible for the situation.
Atiku’s camp further alleged that some state governments had continued to exercise control over funds meant for local government councils.
“Nigeria should be governed by the rule of law, and as President, he will uphold the rule of law and build a truly federal Nigeria where every tier of government enjoys the constitutional independence it deserves,” the statement said.
It added that Atiku would respect court judgments and ensure that funds meant for local governments reach the councils directly.
“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.
According to him, the direct release of local government funds would strengthen grassroots development, reduce poverty and improve the capacity of councils to respond to security challenges.
“This move will ensure that development is brought to the grassroots, reduce poverty at the level of government nearest to the people, and guarantee financial independence to the local governments, which will increase their capacity to fight crimes and terrorism at that level,” he added.
The statement also criticised the current administration over the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment, although the Presidency had yet to respond to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
Atiku’s camp maintained that Nigeria must be governed according to established laws rather than political considerations.
“Nigeria must be governed by laws, not by political convenience,” the statement said.
The issue of local government autonomy has remained a major subject of political and constitutional debate in Nigeria, particularly following the Supreme Court judgment of July 2024, which reinforced the financial autonomy of local government councils.
