Atiku Abubakar: Pledges To Enforce Supreme Court LGA Funding

• Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has pledged to enforce the Supreme Court's direct funding judgment for local government areas if elected president in 2027.
• The Supreme Court ruled on July 11, 2024, that funds from the Federation Account for Nigeria's 774 LGAs must be paid directly to them, bypassing state governments.
• Atiku criticized President Bola Tinubu's administration for allegedly failing to enforce this judgment, suggesting it's to secure governors' support for the 2027 election.
• He argues that direct funding would enhance local governments' ability to deliver services, promote grassroots development, improve security, and reduce poverty.
• Despite the Supreme Court ruling, some states have not fully complied, and President Tinubu previously warned governors he might issue an executive order to enforce compliance in December.

Mr. Abubakar views the restoration of genuine local government autonomy as a cornerstone of his administration's approach to governance and federalism.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who is vying for the presidency in the 2027 election under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) banner, has publicly committed to ensuring local government areas (LGAs) receive their statutory allocations directly. This significant pledge, articulated in a statement released on Tuesday by his spokesperson Kenneth Okonkwo, centers on enforcing a pivotal Supreme Court judgment concerning local government autonomy. Should he be elected, Mr. Abubakar's administration would bypass state governments, channeling funds designated for Nigeria's 774 local government areas from the Federation Account straight to the councils.

This commitment by Atiku Abubakar to enforce Supreme Court LGA funding aims to bolster the financial and administrative independence of local governments, aligning with his broader vision for upholding the rule of law. He asserts that his government would prioritize respect for judicial decisions, safeguard the autonomy of local councils, and guarantee that public resources are effectively distributed to their intended beneficiaries. This approach, he believes, is crucial for restoring genuine federalism within the nation, as part of his Atiku Abubakar 2027 pledge.

The foundation of Mr. Abubakar's pledge lies in a landmark Supreme Court ruling issued on July 11, 2024. This judgment unequivocally mandated that financial allocations from the Federation Account intended for the 774 local government councils must be disbursed directly to them. The judicial decision stemmed from a lawsuit initiated by the Federal Government against the 36 state governors, addressing critical issues surrounding the administration, funding, and financial independence of local governments across Nigeria.

Despite this clear directive from the nation's highest court, full compliance has not been universally observed. Reports indicate that some states have yet to adhere completely to the Supreme Court direct LGA allocation order. The ongoing debate surrounding direct funding for local governments has remained a prominent national discussion point since the 2024 judgment, highlighting persistent challenges in implementing judicial pronouncements at the state level regarding Nigeria local government autonomy.

Mr. Abubakar has not shied away from criticizing the current administration of President Bola Tinubu regarding its perceived inaction on this matter. He specifically pointed to what he described as a failure to enforce the Supreme Court judgment on direct payment of local government allocations. The former Vice-President alleged that the Tinubu administration has shown reluctance to confront certain Nigerian state governors LGA funds, suggesting this hesitancy is a deliberate strategy.

According to Mr. Abubakar, the funds from the Federation Account LGA funds are being withheld from direct disbursement as an "enticement" for governors, aimed at securing their support for President Tinubu's re-election campaign in 2027. This accusation frames the issue of Tinubu LGA funding enforcement within the context of upcoming political contests, suggesting that the non-compliance is politically motivated rather than a mere oversight.

Central to Atiku Abubakar's platform is the belief that granting local governments direct access to their statutory allocations would significantly enhance their capacity to deliver essential development projects and public services. He argues that this financial independence would bring governance closer to the grassroots, directly benefiting Nigerian citizens. Furthermore, he contends that greater fiscal autonomy would strengthen local councils' ability to tackle pressing security challenges, including crime and terrorism, and contribute to poverty reduction efforts.

Mr. Abubakar views the restoration of genuine local government autonomy as a cornerstone of his administration's approach to governance and federalism. He emphasizes that allowing local governments direct access to their funds would improve accountability and ensure that resources earmarked for grassroots development are indeed utilized for their intended purpose, thereby fostering more effective and responsive local governance.

Legal professionals should monitor the political discourse and 2027 election outcomes regarding local government autonomy in Nigeria, as Atiku Abubakar's pledge to enforce the Supreme Court's direct funding judgment could significantly alter financial compliance and operational frameworks for state and local governments, impacting public sector contracts and resource allocation.

Source: Original reporting via Daily Trust