The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has promised to restore full financial autonomy to Nigeria’s local government councils if elected President in the 2027 general election.
Atiku said funds allocated to the councils would be transferred directly to them under his administration, in line with the constitutional provisions and the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government autonomy.
The former Vice-President made the pledge in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, on Tuesday.
He said his government would respect court decisions and ensure that every tier of government operated within its constitutional powers.
Atiku specifically referred to the Supreme Court’s July 2024 judgment affirming the financial autonomy of local governments.
He accused the President Bola Tinubu-led administration of failing to enforce the ruling, alleging that the government had avoided a confrontation with state governors who had previously exercised control over local government allocations.
According to Atiku, the situation has weakened governance at the grassroots and deprived local councils of the resources required to provide basic services.
He 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.”
Atiku argued that direct access to their statutory funds would enable local governments to accelerate development, tackle poverty and improve security in their communities.
He also said financially empowered councils would be better equipped to confront crimes and terrorism at the grassroots.
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The ADC candidate further alleged that political interests surrounding the 2027 election were influencing the Federal Government’s handling of local government finances.
He claimed that governors were being allowed to retain control over council funds as part of efforts to secure their support for Tin
