Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has promised to enforce the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 local government areas if elected president in 2027.

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.

However, the judgment has not been fully implemented in some states.

Atiku pledged to ensure strict compliance with the ruling, describing local government autonomy as a key part of his plan to drive development at the grassroots.

“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 strengthen local governments’ ability to provide basic services and execute development projects.

He also argued that stronger local councils could contribute to improved grassroots security by helping to tackle crime and terrorism, while also reducing poverty.

Atiku accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of failing to enforce the Supreme Court judgment, alleging that the government was reluctant to confront some APC governors over the issue because local government funds were being used to secure their political support ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The former vice-president said granting local governments full control of their statutory allocations would promote accountability and ensure that funds meant for grassroots development are used for their intended purposes.

Atiku vows to enforce local government autonomy if elected president

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