Alleged 2027 Politics Stall Implementation of Local Government . ABUJA — The implementation of financial autonomy for Nigeria’s 774 local government councils has reportedly remained stalled, with political considerations ahead of the 2027 general elections cited as a major factor.According to a report by Sunday PUNCH, findings indicate that despite the Supreme Court’s judgment directing that allocations be paid directly to local government councils, most councils across the country still receive their monthly allocations through their respective state governments nearly two years after the ruling.
The newspaper quoted sources within the Presidency and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as alleging that President Bola Tinubu has not enforced direct allocation to local governments to avoid a political confrontation with state governors, who are expected to play significant roles in his anticipated re-election campaign.The reported delay comes about six months after President Tinubu warned that he could issue an Executive Order to compel the direct disbursement of Federation Account allocations to local government councils in compliance with the Supreme Court’s directive.
The continued non-implementation of local government financial autonomy has sparked concerns among stakeholders, who argue that direct funding is crucial for strengthening grassroots governance, improving accountability, and enhancing service delivery across the country’s 774 local government
Joseph Akwagiobe is a media contributor from Cross River State, Nigeria, currently based in Abuja. He is a graduate of Microbiology and has earned several professional certifications across diverse fields, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and excellence.