Atiku Says He Will Pay Local Government Funds Directly to Councils If Elected


 

By Abel Chigozie 


Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has pledged to ensure that allocations meant for Nigeria’s 774 local government areas are paid directly to the councils if elected president in 2027.


Atiku made the commitment in a statement issued on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, by his spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, stressing that his administration would uphold the rule of law and respect the constitutional independence of the three tiers of government.


The former vice president was reacting to the implementation of local government financial autonomy, referencing the Supreme Court judgment delivered in July 2024, which affirmed the financial autonomy of local governments and directed that allocations due to them should be paid directly.


Atiku argued that local governments must be allowed to exercise the constitutional responsibilities assigned to them without undue interference from state authorities.


He said that, under his administration, court judgments would be obeyed and constitutional provisions governing the relationship among the federal, state and local governments would be respected.


According to him, public funds must be channelled to the level of government for which they are constitutionally intended.


Atiku further maintained that strengthening local government autonomy would improve grassroots development and ensure that resources reach communities where they are most needed.


He pledged that his administration would immediately begin the direct payment of local government allocations to the councils, describing the move as part of his commitment to restoring constitutional governance and accountability in Nigeria.


The ADC presidential candidate has repeatedly made local government autonomy a key component of his proposed governance reforms ahead of the 2027 presidential election.


He said Nigerians deserve a government that respects the Constitution, obeys judicial pronouncements and ensures that public resources are transparently managed for the benefit of citizens.

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