Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress Atiku Abubakar has pledged to begin the direct payment of funds meant for local governments immediately after assuming office as President.
The former vice president also stated that his administration will uphold the rule of law and restore financial autonomy to the third tier of government.
Atiku, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his official spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, said the commitment was based on his belief in constitutional governance and a federal system in which the three tiers of government enjoy the independence guaranteed by law.
He noted that the Supreme Court ruled in July 2024 that funds meant for local governments should be paid directly to them, but alleged that the Bola Tinubu administration had failed to fully implement the judgment.
According to Atiku, the failure to enforce the ruling was linked to the Federal Government’s reluctance to confront state governors who had previously exercised control over local government funds.
He alleged that the funds were being used as political leverage ahead of the 2027 elections.
Atiku said his administration would end what he described as the use of public funds for political convenience and ensure that resources meant for local governments reached them directly.
“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.
“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.”
The former vice president said Nigeria should be governed by laws rather than political interests, stressing that local governments needed financial independence to effectively deliver development and security at the grassroots.
