Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has pledged to release funds meant for Nigeria’s local governments directly to the councils immediately after assuming office as president, if elected in 2027.
Atiku made the commitment as part of his stated plan to strengthen local government autonomy, uphold the rule of law and promote what he described as a truly federal system of government.
In a statement issued on his behalf by his official spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, Atiku said his administration would respect court judgments and ensure that public funds reach the level of government for which they are intended.
The former vice president specifically referred to the Supreme Court judgment of July 2024 concerning the financial autonomy of local governments.
Atiku said: “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 argued that direct access to their funds would give local governments greater capacity to deliver development at the grassroots and respond to challenges facing their communities.
According to Atiku, the policy would also help reduce poverty and strengthen local governments’ ability to tackle crime and terrorism.
“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 said.
Atiku also accused the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration of failing to enforce the Supreme Court ruling, alleging that the Federal Government was reluctant to confront state governors over their control of local government funds.
He further alleged that the funds could be used for political purposes ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The allegation was made by Atiku’s camp and was not independently established in the statement.
The former vice president maintained that political considerations should not determine the implementation of constitutional and judicial provisions.
He said Nigeria should operate under established laws and institutions rather than political interests.
“Nigeria must be governed by laws, not by political convenience,” Atiku said.
