Tinubu directs governors to comply with supreme court ruling on LG autonomy
President Bola Tinubu has directed state governors across the country to immediately implement the Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments by ensuring that statutory allocations are paid directly to local councils.
The president issued the directive on Thursday night during the 14th National Caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Tinubu stressed that genuine local government autonomy is impossible without financial independence, insisting that funds meant for councils must no longer be subject to state interference.
“There can be no autonomy without funding,” the president said. “Local governments must receive their allocations directly. That is what the Supreme Court has ruled, and that is what compliance means.”
He urged governors and party leaders to demonstrate leadership beyond state capitals by engaging rural communities, while also calling for reconciliation, flexibility and unity within the party.
On security, Tinubu disclosed that he has assured officials of the United States and the European Union of Nigeria’s resolve to establish state police as part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity nationwide.
“I had extensive discussions with leaders from the US and Europe,” he said. “I assured them that Nigeria will pass state police. I am confident that my party will make it happen.”
The president also expressed condolences to the government and people of Bayelsa State over the death of the state’s deputy governor, praying for the repose of his soul. In addition, he called for greater inclusion of women within the APC leadership structure.
Earlier in his address, APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, said the ruling party was gaining increased national acceptance, pointing to recent defections by prominent political figures and electoral successes.
Yilwatda announced that the party’s electronic membership registration exercise would continue until January 30, ahead of upcoming party congresses.
He also revealed that the APC, with the backing of President Tinubu, has acquired land in Abuja’s Central Business District for the construction of a new national secretariat, noting that architectural plans are already in progress.
According to the chairman, the APC now holds a commanding majority in both chambers of the National Assembly, a development he attributed to Tinubu’s leadership and recent defections from opposition parties.
Yilwatda further briefed caucus members on ongoing constitutional amendment processes, preparations for the Federal Capital Territory area council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026, and the party’s recent by-election victories.
