President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has again expressed concern over what he described as the lukewarm attitude of state governors toward the financial autonomy of local governments, urging them to fully comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling on direct funding for councils.
Tinubu spoke at the 14th meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Caucus held at the State House, Abuja, where he called on governors to show greater flexibility in their dealings with other tiers of government, particularly local councils.
The President recalled the Supreme Court judgment delivered in July 2024, which affirmed the financial independence of Nigeria’s 774 local governments. In a unanimous decision by a seven-member panel, the apex court ruled that local councils must receive their statutory allocations directly from the Accountant-General of the Federation.
Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Emmanuel Agim held that it was illegal and unconstitutional for state governors to receive, manage or withhold funds meant for local government areas.
Despite the ruling, Tinubu noted that compliance by states has been slow, stressing that the judgment must be enforced to give real meaning to local government autonomy.
“There is no autonomy without funded mandate,” the President said, insisting that councils must have direct access to their funds to function effectively.
Addressing party leaders, Tinubu urged unity, reconciliation and flexibility among those in leadership positions, noting that the APC, as the ruling party, bears a responsibility to set the right example in governance.
He also linked effective local governance to broader national goals, including improved security, adding that the party must remain cohesive to deliver key reforms.
“Take leadership seriously. Let us look at the Supreme Court judgment and how we can position our country and our party. Local government autonomy must be effective, and compliance with the law is non-negotiable,” he said.
Earlier, APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, highlighted recent defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a major boost for the ruling party ahead of future elections. He also commended the National Assembly leadership for supporting the party’s expansion, which has strengthened its majority in both chambers.
Several serving and former PDP governors who recently defected to the APC were present at the meeting, including Governors Kefas Agbu (Taraba), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Sim Fubara (Rivers), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom) and Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta).
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio appealed to the party leadership to ensure fairness and equal opportunities for new members joining the APC.
“The party continues to attract key political figures. Those coming in should be given equal opportunity to thrive,” Akpabio said.
Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, also expressed satisfaction with the party’s growth, noting that the APC now controls 28 states and commands a strong majority in the National Assembly.
According to him, the development reflects growing national confidence in the ruling party’s leadership.
The caucus, in its concluding remarks, commended President Tinubu for what it described as bold economic decisions since 2023, saying the policies have helped the country regain lost economic ground.
