2027: ATIKU PROMISES DIRECT PAYMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUNDS

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has promised to ensure that funds meant for Nigeria’s local governments are paid directly to them if he becomes President in 2027.

Atiku made the promise in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, on Tuesday.

The former Vice President said his administration would respect the rule of law and protect the financial and constitutional independence of local governments.

He also referred to the July 2024 Supreme Court judgment on local government financial autonomy, accusing the current administration of failing to fully implement the ruling.

According to Atiku, allowing local governments to receive their allocations directly would help ensure that public funds reach the communities they are intended to serve.

He said the policy would also promote development at the grassroots, reduce poverty and give local councils greater financial capacity to tackle issues such as crime and terrorism.

Atiku further accused the Bola Tinubu administration of allowing state governors to retain control over local government funds for political reasons ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

He argued that local governments should have the financial independence needed to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without interference from state authorities.

The former Vice President said his proposed administration would work towards restoring what he described as true federalism, with all levels of government operating within their constitutional powers.

His comments come amid continued debate over the implementation of the Supreme Court’s decision on local government autonomy.

A report cited by PUNCH stated that more than N10 trillion had been allocated to local governments since the court’s ruling, while the direct payment arrangement remained a subject of dispute.

Atiku’s promise is likely to make local government autonomy a major issue in the build-up to the 2027 presidential election, as political parties continue to present their plans for improving governance and development at the grassroots.