In a strong call for governance reforms at the grassroots level, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday, December 18, 2025, directed Nigeria's 36 state governors to fully comply with the Supreme Court's judgment granting financial autonomy to local government councils by ensuring direct payment of statutory allocations to the 774 local government areas (LGAs). Addressing the 14th National Caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, the President emphasized that true autonomy cannot exist without financial independence.
"There is no autonomy without a funded mandate. We will give them their money directly. That's the truth. That's compliance with the Supreme Court," Tinubu declared, stressing that local governments must receive their allocations without interference from state authorities. He urged APC leaders and governors to reflect on the July 2024 Supreme Court ruling, which declared it unconstitutional for governors to control or withhold LGA funds through joint state-local government accounts, and to position the party and country for effective implementation.
The President's remarks come amid ongoing debates over the enforcement of the landmark judgment, which aimed to end decades of state dominance over local government finances and administration. Critics have accused some governors of delaying compliance through various mechanisms, undermining grassroots development. Tinubu warned that without direct funding, local councils cannot deliver essential services, and he called on governors to take leadership seriously by extending governance to rural communities.
"You must yield and continue to promote, tolerate and be flexible, get involved in whatever is happening in your various states, up to local government level," he advised party leaders and governors. The President positioned the APC, as the ruling party with a growing majority, to lead by example in reconciliation, accommodation, and flexibility at all levels.
On security, Tinubu renewed his administration's commitment to establishing state police as a critical response to Nigeria's persistent insecurity challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism. He revealed that he had assured leaders from the United States and the European Union of Nigeria's determination to implement decentralized policing.
"I had a very long discussion with the US and European heads. I was bragging to tell them that definitely we will pass a state police to improve security. They asked me if I’m confident, and I say, yes, I have a party to depend on. I have a party that will make it happen," Tinubu said. He expressed optimism that the APC's dominance would facilitate the necessary constitutional amendments, warning that failure would be unacceptable.
The caucus meeting, a precursor to the APC's National Executive Committee (NEC) session, brought together key stakeholders including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and governors from the party. Notably, several recently defected governors from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including those from Rivers, Enugu, Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Taraba, were in attendance, underscoring the APC's expanding influence.
Yilwatda highlighted the party's consolidation efforts, including a membership drive and plans for congresses and a national convention in March 2026. Shettima welcomed the new members, assuring them of a supportive environment within the APC.
Tinubu also called for greater inclusion of women in party structures to promote gender balance and offered condolences to Bayelsa State over the recent death of its deputy governor. Senate President Akpabio commended the President's leadership on security issues, including recent rescues of kidnapped victims, while appealing for continued efforts.
The meeting reflected the APC's focus on internal cohesion amid political realignments and national challenges. With the party claiming an "overwhelming majority" in the National Assembly and high-profile defections, Tinubu urged members to sustain momentum through disciplined governance and reforms.
Analysts view the President's directives as a push to strengthen federalism, enhance security architecture, and empower grassroots administration ahead of future elections. Implementation of local government autonomy and state police remains a litmus test for subnational cooperation and constitutional progress in Nigeria.
