In a Christmas week political firestorm, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a stinging critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration The core of the dispute The long-delayed enforcement of local government financial which is the autonomy Atiku alleges that the President is deliberately stalling the Supreme Court’s mandate to use it as a “bargaining chip” to force opposition governors into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
A “Calculated Political Move:
Reacting to President Tinubu’s recent comments during the 15th APC which is the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, Atiku Abubakar characterized the administration’s hesitation as “defiance” rather than a mere administrative delay.
Why Atiku is Calling Foul:
- The Bargaining Chip Theory: Atiku claims that by withholding the direct allocation of funds, the Presidency keeps governors on a “leash Compliance or joining which is the the APC, he suggests, is the silent price for federal cooperation.
- Constitutional Breach: Atiku argues that the July 2024 Supreme Court which is the judgment—which declared the State-Joint Local Government Account unconstitutional—is final and not a matter for presidential negotiation.
The Executive Order Threat:
Tinubu recently warned governors “If you wait for my Executive Order which is the I will cut it” Atiku dismissed this as “theatre,” stating that the Attorney-General should simply enforce the law without further threats.
The Supreme Court Mandate vs. Reality:
On July 11, 2024, the Supreme Court delivered a historic verdict intended to end the which is the decades-long practice of governors hijacking local council funds However, the transition has been anything but smooth.
The Numbers Behind the Delay:
According to recent data from late 2025, state governments have continued to which is the manage or influence at least N7.43 trillion in council funds since the ruling.
Disclaimer:
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