Tinubu Warns Governors on LG Autonomy Ruling

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a stern warning to state governors to fully comply with the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments, insisting that failure to implement the ruling could compel the Federal Government to take decisive executive action.

Tinubu restated his administration’s commitment to enforcing the landmark judgment on Friday night at the 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC), held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

The President stressed that the Supreme Court’s ruling, which mandates the direct allocation of funds to local governments, must be respected in line with the rule of law. He cautioned that continued resistance by some governors would no longer be tolerated.

“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,” Tinubu 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’s comments underscore rising tensions over the control of local government finances, a long-standing issue in Nigeria’s federal structure. The Supreme Court judgment is widely seen as a major step toward strengthening grassroots governance and improving service delivery at the local level.

Beyond the financial autonomy debate, Tinubu urged party leaders to embrace cohesion, tolerance, and inclusiveness, reminding them that the APC was founded on progressive ideals and respect for diverse opinions. He warned that internal divisions could undermine democratic stability.

“We must continue to be resolute that this democracy we hold in our hands must not fail,” he said. “We say we are bigger, larger, and taller, but it must be in our hearts to be accommodating. That is the only way we can be resilient.”

On security, Tinubu reiterated his support for the creation of state police, describing it as a necessary step in tackling terrorism and banditry. He called on the National Assembly to summon the Inspector-General of Police to explore mechanisms for instituting safeguards and preventing abuse under a decentralised policing structure.

The President also threw his weight behind ongoing efforts to increase women’s participation in elective offices, while advising the National Assembly against centralising the lottery business, noting that lotteries fall within the constitutional jurisdiction of state governments.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, in his remarks, praised Tinubu’s political courage and leadership, arguing that any coalition formed to challenge the President’s popularity ahead of the 2027 elections would amount to “political suicide.” He credited Tinubu with sustaining Nigeria’s opposition politics during difficult periods.

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APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, announced plans to commence nationwide electronic registration of party members at ward, local government, state, and zonal levels. He also disclosed that the tenure of current APC executive committees had been extended until March 2026.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma commended Tinubu for what they described as bold and strategic economic reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria for long-term prosperity.