Atiku vows direct payment of LG funds if elected president

FORMER Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has pledged to enforce financial autonomy for Nigeria’s local governments if elected president in 2027.

Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, said his administration would comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling directing that allocations from the federation account be paid directly to the 774 local government councils.

His spokesperson, Mr Kenneth Okonkwo, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying Atiku would prioritise the rule of law and strengthen local government administration.

The Supreme Court ruled in July 2024 that funds allocated to local governments should be paid directly to the councils rather than being routed through state governments.

READ ALSO: Atiku Abubakar: 2027 will be my final presidential bid

The judgment followed a suit instituted by the Federal Government against the 36 state governors over the control and financing of local governments.

Atiku said enforcing the ruling would bring government closer to citizens, improve grassroots development and strengthen the ability of local councils to tackle insecurity.

“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.

The ADC candidate accused the President Bola Tinubu administration of failing to fully enforce the Supreme Court judgment, alleging that the Federal Government was reluctant to confront APC governors over control of local government finances.

He further alleged that local government funds were being used as an incentive to secure political support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The presidency had previously warned that the Federal Government could take further steps to enforce local government financial autonomy. In December, Tinubu said he could issue an executive order compelling compliance with the Supreme Court ruling.