- Atiku accuses Tinubu of ignoring Supreme Court ruling on LG autonomy
- Says refusal to release LG funds is deliberate and political
- Warns continued delay violates the Constitution and presidential oath
- Claims grassroots development is suffering nationwide
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of deliberately politicising the Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy, warning that history will judge the administration for refusing to implement direct allocation of funds to local councils.
In a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday, December 24, Atiku said the Tinubu-led government has continued to disregard the Supreme Court’s July 2024 judgment mandating direct FAAC allocations to the 774 local governments, describing the action as a clear constitutional breach.
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According to Atiku, by July 2026, the administration would have spent two full years allegedly ignoring a binding judgment of the apex court.
“This is not delay. It is defiance,” Atiku stated.
“Your refusal to act is a calculated political move, using obedience to the law as a bargaining chip.”
The former vice president dismissed claims that the delay was caused by administrative challenges, insisting that the refusal to enforce LG autonomy was politically motivated and aimed at controlling governors across party lines.
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Atiku stressed that Supreme Court judgments are final and binding, warning that persistent refusal to implement them amounts to a violation of both the Constitution and the presidential oath of office.
“Supreme Court judgments are not optional. Refusing to enforce one is a direct breach of the Constitution and a violation of the oath you swore to Nigerians.”
He argued that the continued denial of local government financial autonomy was hurting ordinary Nigerians, noting that councils remain the closest tier of government to the people.
“By withholding their funds, you are not weakening governors; you are crippling communities, stalling development, and deepening poverty at the grassroots.”
Atiku added that enforcing the ruling requires no political drama, only decisive executive action.
“This situation does not require threats of executive orders. The solution is simple: instruct the Attorney-General to enforce the judgment immediately.”
The Supreme Court had ruled in July 2024 that state governments must no longer control funds meant for local councils, declaring the State Joint Local Government Account unconstitutional under Section 162 of the Constitution.
Despite the ruling, reports indicate that state governments retained control of an estimated ₦7.43 trillion in council funds between July 2024 and December 2025.
While President Tinubu recently warned governors he might issue an executive order to enforce the ruling, Atiku dismissed such statements as unnecessary political theatrics.
“Nigeria deserves leadership that obeys the law, not one that bends it for political gain. History will not forget this moment,” he said.
