Former Vice President and 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 becomes president in 2027.
Atiku made the pledge in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, on Tuesday.
He promised that his administration would uphold the rule of law and protect the constitutional independence of all levels of government, including local councils.
The former vice president also cited the Supreme Court’s July 2024 judgment on local government financial autonomy, accusing the administration of President Bola Tinubu of failing to fully implement the ruling.
Atiku alleged that the federal government’s position was influenced by political considerations ahead of the 2027 presidential election, claiming that state governors were being allowed to retain control over local government funds in exchange for political support for Tinubu’s re-election bid.
He said restoring direct funding to local governments would strengthen grassroots development, reduce poverty and improve the councils’ capacity to tackle insecurity.
Atiku added that his administration would restore true federalism and ensure public funds reach the people and communities they are intended to serve.
