Sep 1, 2026

Atiku Vows Direct LG Funds Payment to Enforce Supreme Court Autonomy Ruling

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in politics

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Abuja, Nigeria – September 1, 2026 — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has pledged that, if elected president in 2027, his administration would immediately ensure that federal allocations meant for Nigeria’s 774 local government areas are paid directly to the councils, fully implementing the Supreme Court’s landmark July 2024 judgment on local government financial autonomy.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his official spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate framed the commitment as a matter of upholding the rule of law and restoring true federalism.

Commitment to Constitutional Order

“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 was quoted as saying.

He argued that direct funding would bring development closer to the grassroots, help reduce poverty at the level of government nearest to citizens, and give local councils greater financial independence to tackle crime and insecurity in their communities.

The Supreme Court, in the suit brought by the Attorney-General of the Federation against the 36 state governors (SC/CV/343/2024), ruled on July 11, 2024, that allocations from the Federation Account should be paid directly to democratically elected local government councils rather than through state joint accounts. The court also declared the use of unelected caretaker committees unconstitutional.

Criticism of Current Implementation

Nearly two years later, full compliance remains incomplete. Reports indicate that states have continued to exercise significant control over local government funds, with more than ₦10 trillion allocated to the third tier of government between July 2024 and mid-2026 still largely subject to state influence.

Atiku’s camp accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of failing to enforce the judgment, allegedly to avoid confronting state governors who previously controlled the funds and to secure political support ahead of the 2027 elections.

The statement described this as an unacceptable situation that prioritises political convenience over constitutional obligation.

Broader Context of the Autonomy Debate

The 2024 ruling was widely hailed as a potential turning point for grassroots governance in Nigeria.

However, resistance from many state governments, continued use of joint account arrangements in some places, and slow practical enforcement have left the promise of genuine local government independence only partially realised.

Atiku positioned his pledge as part of a wider commitment to constitutional independence for all three tiers of government and governance guided by law rather than partisan interests.

As the 2027 presidential race intensifies, the issue of local government autonomy is likely to remain a key talking point, with candidates expected to outline clear positions on how they would translate judicial decisions into effective administration at the grassroots.