ATIKU VOWS TO ENFORCE LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL AUTONOMY IF ELECTED

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has pledged to ensure that funds allocated to Nigeria’s local governments are paid directly to the councils if he wins the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku made the commitment in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, on Tuesday, stressing that his administration would uphold the rule of law and respect the constitutional independence of all levels of government.

The former Vice President said restoring financial autonomy to local governments would be a major priority of his administration. He argued that allowing councils to have direct access to their statutory allocations would enable them to deliver more effectively at the grassroots.

Atiku also referred to the Supreme Court judgment delivered in July 2024, which affirmed the financial autonomy of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas. He accused the current administration of failing to fully implement the judgment, alleging that political considerations had influenced its approach to the issue.

According to the ADC candidate, state governors should no longer control funds meant for local governments, as such arrangements undermine the ability of councils to independently execute projects and provide essential services to residents.

He said his administration would ensure that public funds reach the people for whom they are intended, adding that stronger local governments would help bring development closer to citizens and reduce poverty at the grassroots.

Atiku further argued that financially independent local councils would be better positioned to address security challenges within their communities, including crimes and terrorism.

He accused the Tinubu administration of deliberately avoiding a confrontation with governors over the issue because of political calculations ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Atiku claimed that governors were being allowed to retain influence over local government finances in exchange for political support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid.

The former Vice President maintained that Nigeria should return to a system of true federalism in which the three tiers of government can operate within their constitutionally defined responsibilities.

His latest pledge comes amid continued debate over the implementation of the Supreme Court's local government autonomy judgment.

Punch reported in July that implementation remained stalled despite about ₦10.48tn having been allocated to local governments during the period since the court's landmark ruling.

Atiku's promise to enforce direct payment of local government allocations is therefore expected to form part of his broader campaign message as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 presidential election.