Atiku’s Latest Promise: Vows to Uphold Local Government Autonomy If Elected President
Former Vice President and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has made another campaign promise, vowing to uphold local government autonomy and ensure that funds meant for Nigeria’s 774 local government areas are paid directly to them if elected President.
According to a statement signed by his spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, Atiku said his administration would uphold the rule of law and strengthen Nigeria’s federal system by respecting the constitutional independence of every tier of government.
The former Vice President referenced the Supreme Court’s July 2024 judgment on local government financial autonomy, alleging that President Bola Tinubu has failed to enforce the ruling fully and that the Federal Government has placed political considerations ahead of local government autonomy, and alleged that APC governors have benefited from controlling funds meant for local governments.
“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 said.
He argued that direct access to statutory funds would strengthen development at the grassroots, reduce poverty and improve the capacity of local governments to tackle crime and insecurity.
“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,” he added.
Atiku’s latest pledge comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with opposition parties and candidates presenting their policy positions and campaign promises to Nigerians.
The former Vice President said Nigeria must be governed by the rule of law rather than political considerations.
