African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has pledged to disburse funds meant for Nigeria’s local governments directly to the councils if elected president in 2027.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, Atiku said the move would form part of his commitment to upholding the rule of law, strengthening local government autonomy, and restoring what he described as true federalism in Nigeria.
He specifically referenced the Supreme Court judgment of July 2024, which ruled that allocations meant for local governments should be paid directly to them rather than through state governments. Despite the ruling, implementation has remained stalled, even as trillions of naira have been allocated to the third tier of government over the period.
Atiku accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of failing to enforce the judgment, alleging that the government has been reluctant to confront state governors over their continued control of local government funds.
“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.
He argued that direct access to statutory allocations would bring development closer to the grassroots, help reduce poverty at the level of government nearest to the people, and give local governments the financial independence needed to tackle insecurity, including crime and terrorism in their localities.
“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.
Atiku further stressed that governance in Nigeria must be guided by legal and constitutional provisions rather than political convenience. “Nigeria must be governed by laws, not by political convenience,” he stated.
The Supreme Court judgment followed a suit filed by the Federal Government against the 36 state governors over the administration and funding of local governments. The court held that state governments should not control or withhold funds credited to local governments and directed that allocations be paid directly to democratically elected local government councils.
Although the ruling was widely welcomed by advocates of local government autonomy, its implementation has remained contentious. Issues around the status of elected councils in some states and the practical mechanisms for direct disbursement have continued to delay full compliance.
Atiku’s pledge comes as political parties and presidential aspirants intensify positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections. Local government autonomy and the proper funding of the third tier of government remain key issues in ongoing debates about Nigeria’s federal structure and grassroots development.
By making the commitment, Atiku has sought to present himself as a candidate who will prioritise constitutional compliance and strengthen the capacity of local governments to deliver services and security to citizens at the community level.