RismadarVoice Reporters, September 2, 2026
Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has promised to ensure that allocations meant for local government councils are paid directly to them if elected president in 2027.
Atiku said the move would strengthen local government autonomy and accelerate development at the grassroots.
The former Vice President committed in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, and shared on X.
He said his administration would uphold the rule of law and respect the constitutional independence of the three tiers of government, including local councils.
Atiku also referred to the Supreme Court’s July 2024 judgment on local government financial autonomy, accusing the Tinubu administration of failing to fully enforce the ruling.
He alleged that the Federal Government’s reluctance to implement the judgment was connected to political considerations involving state governors ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to him, governors who previously exercised significant control over local government finances were allegedly being allowed to retain such influence in return for political support for the President’s re-election bid.
Atiku said his administration would ensure that public funds were channelled to the level of government for which they were appropriated.
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.”
The ADC candidate said direct access to funds would enable local councils to provide more effective services, tackle poverty and improve security at the grassroots.
He added that financially independent local governments would be better positioned to respond to crimes and other security challenges within their communities.
Atiku maintained that strengthening local government institutions was essential to bringing government closer to the people and promoting development across the country.
