Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, says he will pay local government money directly to them if he becomes president in 2027.

Atiku made this promise in a statement released on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo.

He said his government will follow the law and give local governments their full independence.

Atiku referred to a Supreme Court judgment from July 2024. The court said federal money meant for local governments should be paid to them directly.

But he accused President Bola Tinubu’s government of refusing to carry out the judgment.

According to him, the government does not want to fight with state governors who have been controlling LG money.

“My government will obey court judgments. We will protect local government independence. We will make sure public money gets to the people it is meant for,” Atiku said.

He added that paying LGs directly will bring development to villages and towns, reduce poverty, and help LGs fight crime and insecurity better.

Atiku also claimed that the Tinubu government is allowing governors to keep LG funds so the governors will support Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

“This is not the kind of Nigeria we want,” he said.