Atiku Vows Immediate Payment of Council Funds, Knocks Tinubu for Stalling Landmark Local Govt Judgment

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has promised that his administration will end the state-level diversion of council allocations and ensure federal funds are disbursed directly to all 774 local government areas across Nigeria.

In an official statement released by his campaign spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, the former Vice President declared that guaranteeing the constitutional independence of the third tier of government will be an immediate priority from his first day in office.

Atiku recalled that the Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling affirming the financial autonomy of local councils and ordering the direct payment of their federal revenue allocations. However, he criticized the current administration for failing to enforce the judgment, claiming the delay is driven by political convenience and a reluctance to challenge state governors who have historically controlled council finances.

According to the ADC flagbearer, starving the third tier of government of its rightful resources undermines democracy and cripples governance at the grassroots. He explained that direct funding will revive rural economies, speed up community-driven development, and lift millions of citizens out of poverty.

Atiku also highlighted that local governments require direct financial muscle to strengthen community policing and respond effectively to security challenges within their domains. He reaffirmed that under his leadership, the rule of law will prevail over political considerations, ensuring that public resources directly serve the people they are allocated for.