2027: Atiku Vows To Give Local Governments Direct Access To Federal Funds

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has pledged to ensure that funds meant for local governments are paid directly to the councils if he is elected President in the 2027 general election.

Atiku made the commitment in a statement issued on Tuesday by his campaign spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, stressing that the policy would be in line with the rule of law and the constitutional independence of local governments.

According to the statement, the former Vice President cited the Supreme Court’s July 2024 judgment on local government financial autonomy, which directed that funds allocated to local governments should be paid directly to the councils.

Atiku said his administration would uphold the judgment and ensure that local governments have the financial independence required to deliver development at the grassroots.

He also accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of failing to fully enforce the Supreme Court decision, alleging that political considerations involving state governors had influenced the handling of local government funds.

Atiku described such an approach as unacceptable, insisting that Nigeria should be governed by established laws rather than political interests.

The ADC candidate further promised that his administration would respect court judgments, strengthen local government autonomy and ensure that public resources reach the people for whom they are intended.

He argued that greater financial independence for local governments would improve grassroots development, help reduce poverty and strengthen the capacity of councils to address insecurity and other challenges within their communities.

Atiku maintained that restoring genuine federalism and allowing each tier of government to exercise its constitutional responsibilities would contribute to better governance across the country.

He reiterated that, if elected in 2027, his administration would make adherence to the rule of law a central principle of governance.