Tinubu to govs: Implement Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enforcing the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments, warning that failure by state governors to comply could prompt decisive executive action.

The President made the remarks on Friday night at the 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC), held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.

Tinubu said the apex court had clearly directed that funds meant for local governments be paid directly to them, stressing that continued non-compliance by states would have consequences.

“The Supreme Court has said, ‘give them their money directly.’ If you wait for my Executive Order, because I have the knife, I have the yam, I will cut it,” the President said.
“I’m being respectful and understanding with my governors. Otherwise, if you don’t start to implement it, FAAC after FAAC, you will see your allocation dwindling.”

The President also called for unity and tolerance within the ruling party, reminding leaders that the APC was founded on progressive ideals, inclusiveness and respect for diverse opinions.

“We must continue to be resolute that this democracy must not fail. We must be accommodating. That is the only way we can be resilient and tolerant,” Tinubu said.

On security, the President reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, describing it as a necessary step in tackling terrorism and banditry. He urged the National Assembly to summon the Inspector-General of Police to examine safeguards that would prevent abuse of state policing powers.

Tinubu also expressed support for efforts to increase women’s participation in elective positions and advised lawmakers against centralising lottery operations, noting that lottery regulation falls within the jurisdiction of state governments.

In his remarks, Vice President Kashim Shettima praised President Tinubu’s leadership and political resilience, arguing that any coalition seeking to challenge him ahead of the 2027 elections would face serious difficulty.

Shettima credited Tinubu with sustaining Nigeria’s opposition politics during difficult times, saying the APC benefited from his long-standing role in defending democratic space.

APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, announced that the party would commence a nationwide electronic registration of members across wards, local governments and states. He called on party leaders and stakeholders to support the exercise with logistics and materials.

Yilwatda also disclosed that the tenure of existing executive committees at ward, local government, state and zonal levels had been extended until March 2026.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Chairman of the APC Progressive Governors Forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma, commended President Tinubu for what they described as bold and strategic economic reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s economy.

The meeting ended with renewed calls for unity within the APC as the party positions itself ahead of future political contests.