Politics
LG autonomy: Govs in fresh move to delay implementation
Ahead of the submission of the report of the 10-member inter-ministerial committee on the implementation of the Supreme Court ruling on Local Government Areas autonomy next week, state governors have begun fresh lobbying against the enforcement of the verdict.
The panel, headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has concluded its assignment and is expected to submit its report on or before October 13, according to PUNCH findings.
Under former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit issued a regulation, effective from June 1, 2019, banning transactions on State and Local Governments Joint Accounts. Funds were sent directly to the accounts of the local governments. It also limited cash withdrawals from local governments accounts to a maximum amount of N500,000 per day with penalties for banks that failed to comply.
However, state governors, under the aegis of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, kicked against this regulation and the NFIU eventually capitulated.
In May, the Federal Government, represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, filed a lawsuit to challenge the governors’ authority to receive and withhold federal allocations meant for Local Government Areas.
The suit sought to prevent state governors from unilaterally dissolving democratically elected local government councils and establishing caretaker committees. The AGF argued that the constitution mandated a democratically elected local government system and did not allow alternative governance structures.
The Supreme Court, on July 11, 2024, gave a landmark judgment affirming the financial autonomy of the 774 LGs in the country and ruled that governors could no longer control funds meant for the councils.
The seven-member Supreme Court panel, led by Justice Garba Lawal, ruled that it was illegal and unconstitutional for governors to manage and withhold LG funds.
The apex court also directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to pay LG allocations directly to their accounts, as it declared the non-remittance of funds by the 36 states unconstitutional.
Also, on August 20, the Federal Government instituted a 10-member inter-ministerial committee to implement the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy.
The committee members include the Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Attorney General of the Federation & Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN; Minister of Budget & Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu; Accountant-General of the Federation; Oluwatoyin Madein and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso.
Others are the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs Lydia Jafiya, the Chairman, Revenue Mobilization Allocation & Fiscal Commission, Mohammed Shehu, and representatives of state governors and the local governments.
The committee’s primary goal is to ensure that local governments are granted full autonomy, allowing them to function effectively without interference from state governments.
In his broadcast marking Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary on Tuesday, President Tinubu pledged that his administration would uphold the financial autonomy of local governments, as affirmed by the Supreme Court.
The President said, “As part of our efforts to re-engineer our political economy, we are resolute in our determination to implement the Supreme Court judgment on the financial autonomy of local governments.”
About three officials, including a source in the Presidency, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to speak on the issue, told The PUNCH that governors were pressuring top officials to soft-pedal on the implementation of the apex court judgment.
The Presidency official, however, stressed that the President was committed to implementing the Supreme Court ruling.
He stated, “The process is on and governors are already lobbying to stall the implementation of the apex court ruling as the panel prepares to submit its report next week.
“The implementation will start any moment now. The ministries of finance and justice are working to finalise details of implementation.”
Speaking to The PUNCH on Wednesday, the National President, National Union of Local Government Employees, Hakeem Ambali, confirmed that the inter-ministerial committee would submit its report by October 11.
“A technical committee was set up under the chairmanship of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and it is expected that implementation kicks off on or before October 11 as mandated by the Supreme Court.
“The President’s speech has also given us more reassurance that this is already a done deal. NULGE has also submitted its report to the committee,’’ he stated.
Reacting to the governors’ plot to hinder the enforcement of the Supreme Court verdict, civil society groups, including the Centre for Accountability and Open Leadership and the United Global Resolve for Peace, called on the Federal Government to accelerate the implementation of the autonomy.
Chairman, CACOL, Debo Adeniran, faulted the governors’ “self-serving nature” and their “stranglehold on the local governments.”
He stated, “We know that they didn’t like what the President did by asking the Supreme Court to adjudicate on the matter. They are actually mounting pressure, not just lobbying, mounting pressure on all forces to ensure that the implementation of that order doesn’t come.
“That lobby is unnecessary, it’s unwarranted and the President should not allow it to work. If the President insists, then they will not succeed because the rule of law must prevail; the Supreme Court has ruled, it is just for them to implement, so nothing must stop it, otherwise, we would have put the rule of law in jeopardy and that’s not good for us.”
The Executive Director, UGRP, Olaseni Shalom, called on the President to sponsor a bill in the National Assembly to enforce the autonomy.
Shalom urged the governors to support local governments in pursuing fiscal autonomy.
“The position of the law is clear regarding the implementation of the LG autonomy. But we should also note that this law is not new. It is an existing law already and it was taken to the Supreme Court for interpretation,” Shalom stated.
“Immediately the Supreme Court interpreted it, what I expected was for the Presidency to sponsor a bill that will rid it of all ambiguity and make it as clear as possible. Instead, they set up a 10-man committee.
“The LG autonomy should also be a period for restructuring advocacy that has been on for a while now so that state governments can also control their resources, you know, have fiscal autonomy. And this is why there is a tussle between the state governments and the Presidency as regards the enforcement of this law. It is very important for both parties to sit down and negotiate.”
During a recent gathering, the National Secretary, Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ahmeh, called on the Federal Government to take immediate action on the matter.
Ahmeh emphasised that the Supreme Court’s ruling should have been put into effect without any delay.
He stated, “The judgment that the courts have passed affects the financial autonomy of local government. It does not affect the administrative autonomy of local government.
“The financial autonomy of local government is captured in section 162 of the Constitution, while the administrative autonomy of local government pertains to the administration of elections, such as those conducted by the State Independent Electoral Commissions for local governments in Nigeria.
“In each of the states, there is one electoral commission, meaning we have 36 independent electoral commissions at the state level, plus one at the national level. Thus, we have 37 independent electoral commissions in total—one national and 36 state.
“For us, I think it is perplexing that the Federal Government feels the need to enter into an agreement with state governments before starting the implementation of a valid court judgment from a competent authority, such as the Supreme Court.”
The CUPP scribe called on the Federal Government to actively oppose efforts by the governors to delay the enforcement of the judgment on the autonomy.
He added, “The Federal Government does not need to establish a committee and announce that they will begin the process soon. There is simply no need for that.
“It is very important and urgent for the financial autonomy to be enacted so that local people can hold their local government accountable for the finances that accrue to each local government’s account. The criminality and embezzlement that occur at the local government level are a direct result of a lack of independence. These are the issues we are facing in local government.
“The implementation should occur immediately and without hesitation. Any attempts by the governors to stall this process should be resisted.”
Meanwhile, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has dismissed insinuations that he is against local government autonomy.
Reacting to reports that he was not in support of the LG autonomy, Makinde said he had no issues with elected officials performing their constitutional duties but would continue to speak against a lacuna created where none existed.
He spoke during the official unveiling of the newly-built Local Government House and Staff Training School inside the Oyo State Government Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Wednesday.
He said, “This building is a start of the renovation of the buildings within the secretariat and turning our secretariat into where productivity will reign supreme.
“What I will refer to as an irony is the fact that it is the same local government that people are going around town saying Seyi Makinde is trying to destroy. Is it not ironic that this building we are commissioning is the first modern building for the LG family to stay in?
”Is this how to destroy something? Well, if that is the way to destroy something, we will continue to do this kind of things so that they will not have anything to say again around town.
“Let me say this, in a country where there is a trust deficit between the leaders and the led, it is no wonder that some people will always take advantage of situations to fan the flames of disunity or choose to push unintended narratives and perceptions.
“As I said in my last state broadcast, we must always remember who our real enemies are so that we do not turn against our friends.”
Promising to ensure that the councils performed their constitutional roles, the governor added, “Here in Oyo State under my watch, we will continue to make decisions that will bring the full benefit of democracy to the good people of Oyo State and we are aware of the role that the local government authorities have to play in ensuring that democracy and its dividends reach people at the grassroots.
“In design, this is supposed to be the function of the Local Government Areas but in practice, there have been several factors that have militated against Local Government Areas achieving this goal.”
Meanwhile, Chairman of Kwami Local Government Area of Gombe State, Dr Ahmed Wali, says plans are in motion for LGs to receive FG allocation directly.
He said, “We are hoping to receive the allocation in October as plans are in the pipeline to open accounts for local governments with CBN. They (FG) will pay the money, they are in the process. We were made to understand that it will be the next arrangement.”
Also, the new Chairman of Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State, Mallam Adam Rufai, said the council had not been notified about payment of the allocation.
“We don’t know yet because we were just elected into the council. We have no information on whether the allocation is going to be paid directly to the council by the Federal Government. No one has given us such information,” he said.
A senior local government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said after the Supreme Court landmark judgment, all the LGs in the state were made to open new accounts with a commercial bank, where their allocation would be paid.
“But I am not sure we are receiving allocation through it yet. We are receiving our salaries for September already but I doubt it if we are getting direct allocation from the Federal Government yet,” the official said.
Politics
“What I Would Do With Wike If I Were Fubara”: Ex-APC Governorship Candidate Reacts to Rivers Crisis
Fubara would not be able to make any decision
A former governorship candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tonye Cole, has responded to the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
Cole explained what he anticipates will happen to the suspended governor, Sim Fubara, when he eventually returns to office.
Additionally, the APC chieftain shared what actions he would take regarding the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, if he were in Fubara’s shoe. …click link for full details
Legit reports that Fubara, who was suspended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for six months is expected to return to office on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
Cole said Fubara would not be able to make any decision when his suspension is eventually lifted without interference.
The APC chieftain said Fubara would find himself in a difficult situation in running the affairs of the state. He stated this while speaking on Channels Television’s
The Morning Brief on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. The co-founder cried out, stating that Fubara would not be able to exercise his full authority as the governor of the oil-rich state.
“We cannot be in a situation where we have an elected governor of a state, like Rivers State, which is a very critical state not just for the people of Rivers but Nigeria as a whole, and what you then see is that you have an elected governor that has zero powers.
“I don’t think it portends well at all. It’s extremely difficult, and I think the governor will be finding himself in a very difficult situation” Cole advised Fubara to reach out to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Nyesom Wike, and agree on how he can make certain decisions in the state.
“What I would do if I were him would be to now sit down with the honourable minister and appeal for some leeway to allow certain decisions to be taken by me as governor, and others to be taken by him, whatever peace agreement they had.”
As we approach the 2027 presidential elections, the possibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan positioning himself as a formidable challenger against the current President, Bola Tinubu, is gaining traction.
This shift in the political landscape is bolstered by recent events that suggest a strategic realignment among key political figures. Click link to continue reading.
Notably, Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, recently held a crucial and discreet meeting with Jonathan in Abuja. This gathering has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about potential collaborations or endorsement scenarios leading up to the elections.
Should Obi choose to withdraw in favor of Jonathan, two significant outcomes could arise. First, Jonathan’s experience and recognition as a former president could galvanize support from a broader spectrum of voters, potentially positioning him as a strong contender against Tinubu. Second, such a move would indicate a willingness among prominent political figures to unify against a common opponent, which could reshape the dynamics of the race and influence the strategies of other candidates.
As we analyze these developments, the political implications surrounding the 2027 election continue to evolve, inviting further scrutiny and conversation about the future of Nigeria’s political landscape.
Recently, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, engaged in a significant and discreet meeting with Jonathan in the heart of Abuja.
“Today in Abuja, I had the privilege of meeting my esteemed elder brother, a distinguished statesman, and leader, former President Goodluck Jonathan @GEJonathan. Our closed-door discussion was fruitful, centering on the pressing issues facing our beloved nation,” he stated.
An insider, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that influential political figures across the country are keenly interested in seeing Jonathan run for the presidency in 2027, urging Obi to consider stepping aside for the former president.
As Obi contemplates addressing his passionate Obidient Movement, various proposals are being considered, should both factions find common ground.
The source added that Jonathan might choose to align himself with a prominent candidate from the northern region, potentially selecting either Rabiu Kwankwaso or Bala Mohammed as his running mate.
In the meantime, the PDP Governors’ Forum, under the leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, has formally endorsed Shekarau as the consensus national chairman in anticipation of the party’s convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
This strategic move has garnered support not only from Jonathan but also from Peter Obi, who, during their recent discussions in Abuja, expressed solidarity with the PDP’s goals.
A close associate of both leaders noted that they swapped insights regarding the political landscape as it shapes up for 2027, commending Mohammed’s efforts to stabilize the PDP and steer it away from the betrayals that have marred its reputation in recent years.
For Obi to accept such condition, according another source, there must be three important appointment that will come directly from him if all plans work in 2027.
Politics
Fresh Crisis Looms In Lagos As Sanwo-Olu, Obasa In Supremacy Battle… Speaker Gives Governor Standing Order
Warnings are emerging that a new political showdown may soon erupt in Lagos State, pitting Governor Sanwo-Olu against Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. The unresolved tensions between these two influential figures suggest that the battle for supremacy is far from over.
Reports indicate that the Speaker, emboldened by a perceived directive from the executive, is contemplating a bold move to confront the governor. The air is thick with anticipation as these political rivals seem poised to clash once more, each determined to assert their dominance in the state’s power dynamics.
Another Executive-Legislative showdown is brewing in Lagos State as the House of Assembly under the speakership of Mudashiru Obasa today asked the State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu to withdraw appointment letters to appointees who are yet to be “cleared by the Assembly.”
It is a public knowledge that Obasa and Sanwo-Olu are not on good terms. This was believed to be one of the reasons behind Obasa’s recent removal.
However, the speaker managed to secure the backing of the “powers that be,” who facilitated his return as speaker.
At plenary on Tuesday, lawmakers angrily reacted to what they described as “the growing practice of political appointees assuming office without the constitutionally required confirmation of the House.”
Obasa said the development was a direct challenge to legislative authority, warning that it “tests the powers of the House.”
He held the Head of Service responsible for issuing appointment letters without legislative clearance and announced that the official will be summoned to explain.
Obasa further urged the Governor to withdraw all letters issued to appointees yet to be screened.
This follows a motion titled “Need for Government Appointees to appear before the House for Confirmation.”
Hon. Setonji David, Deputy Chief Whip, cited Sections 126 & 198 of the 1999 Constitution, stressing that no public officer should assume office without legislative screening, warning that such actions undermine separation of powers and weaken accountability.
Hon. Desmond Elliot called the development “an insult to the House,” insisting that no appointee or institution should defy Lagos laws.
Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh noted that some agencies operate without legal frameworks, which erodes due process in a state built on the rule of law.
Hon. Stephen Ogundipe reminded all aspiring public officers that confirmation is not a mere formality but a safeguard to ensure competence, integrity, and good character.
Hon. Kehinde Joseph demanded sanctions for repeated constitutional breaches and urged that any funds spent by unconfirmed officers be refunded to government coffers.
Hon. Rasheed Shabi condemned the lack of respect for legislative authority, describing the issuance of appointment letters without confirmation as a direct affront to the Constitution.
The Speaker directed the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to forward the Assembly’s resolution to the Governor for immediate action.
Politics
FULL LIST: 20 States Tinubu Will Win Against Atiku, Jonathan, Obi In 2027 Election (SEE MAP)
As Nigeria’s political scene changes, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu faces big challenges in the upcoming 2027 presidential election.
He will encounter tough competition, with several opponents emerging among his rivals. This election could be one of the hardest fights of his political career. Click link to continue reading.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has resurfaced as a formidable competitor, adding to the list of Tinubu’s political adversaries. His return to the political arena could complicate Tinubu’s path to reelection, as Jonathan is a seasoned politician with substantial support.
Prior to Jonathan’s emergence, Tinubu was already contending with other well-known political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi. Both Abubakar and Obi ran against Tinubu in the 2023 election but were unable to secure victory.
In the lead-up to the 2027 contest, they have united within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and expressed their intentions to challenge Tinubu once again. Atiku Abubakar has made it clear that he intends to run as a northern candidate, while Peter Obi has publicly stated his desire to limit his presidency to a single term, aiming to govern for four years before yielding power back to northern Nigeria.
However, this pledge has drawn criticism from fellow coalition members.
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has openly criticized Obi’s assertion of a one-term presidency, arguing that it raises doubts about the sincerity of his intentions.
El-Rufai has been vocal in advocating for a southern candidate to oppose Tinubu in the election, suggesting that Obi’s statement lacks credibility among the electorate.
Despite these challenges, many analysts believe that President Tinubu may still secure victories in several key states, leveraging his political strategies that could potentially surprise his opponents in the 2027 election. The states where Tinubu is likely to perform well include:
- Benue
- Kaduna
- Zamfara
- Nasarawa
- Plateau
- Borno
- Niger
- FCT
- Akwa ibom
- Rivers
- Imo
- Ogun
- Osun
- Ekiti
- Ondo
- Oyo
- Lagos
- Kogi
- Kwara
- Edo
These states, each with their unique political dynamics and constituencies, could prove crucial for Tinubu as he navigates the complexities and rivalries of the upcoming election.
Politics
FULL LIST: Analyst Reveals 20 States Jonathan, Atiku May Win Against Tinubu In 2027 Election
As Nigeria approaches its upcoming presidential election, the political landscape is becoming increasingly charged, particularly for incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Tinubu could encounter significant challenges from former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, both of whom are gearing up to launch strong campaigns for the 2027 election.
Tinubu may face formidable challenges from former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, both of whom are preparing to launch vigorous campaigns in 2027.
The upcoming election is shaping up to be an intriguing contest, with several prominent political figures signaling their intentions to challenge Tinubu’s presidency.
Among them, Goodluck Jonathan has been actively engaging in strategic consultations with various political stakeholders, seeking to build alliances and strengthen his position for a potential comeback.
Despite some critics pointing to notable achievements during his tenure, President Tinubu’s policies have faced backlash, which could culminate in a tough electoral battle. The following list of 20 states reflects a blend of political discontent and regional dynamics that may hinder Tinubu’s chances of securing victory in these areas:
1. Kano
2. Sokoto
3. Kaduna
4. Taraba
5. Niger
6. Zamfara
7. Benue
8. Anambra
9. Enugu
10. Abia
11. Bayelsa
12. Oyo
13. Adamawa
14 Kwara
15. Bauchi
16. Kebbi
17. Delta
18. Jigawa
19. Katsina
20.Ebonyi
The insights derived from this analysis underscore the multifaceted challenges that President Tinubu could encounter in these states, ranging from personal grievances to broad political influences.
As the election draws nearer, the dynamics within these regions will be closely monitored and could significantly impact the overall electoral outcome in 2027.
Politics
New INEC Chairman Identity Exposed Ahead 2027 Election, Northern Elder Sends Scary Warning To Tinubu
As the political landscape in Nigeria intensifies, several allegations have emerged concerning the appointment of a new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in anticipation of the 2027 elections.
The current INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, is set to retire from his position in less than 60 days after overseeing the presidential elections of 2023.
However, speculation regarding the potential selection of a particular individual from the political sphere have surfaced, prompting concerns that the President’s appointment could ignite significant discord within the country.
Amid the debate about Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s replacement, a chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Buba Galadima, has warned that an alleged move by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government to appoint a controversial retired judge as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could plunged the nation into crisis.
Galadima alleged that Tinubu’s government was considering installing a retired Court of Appeal judge with a questionable reputation to head the electoral body.
Speaking in an interview on the Prime Time programme on ARISE News TV, on Monday, September 15, Galadima said: “Come November, there are rumours all over the place that this government is nominating a just retired court of appeals judge who is known for notoriety to be the chairman of INEC. I wish it is not true.
“Because if that man becomes the chairman of INEC, be rest assured that this government is inviting a civil war in this country,” he said.
Speaking further, the NNPP stalwart accused Tinubu’s administration of having no regard for the rule of law. “And we cannot be in a country where the government does not respect the law,” he added.
In a twist, Galadima, also criticised Professor Mahmood Yakubu-led INEC. He alleged that the electoral body has already been compromised in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to Galadima, INEC cannot dictate certain electioneering procedures to the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly early campaign.
“The INEC chairman has already rigged the election for APC. “INEC has an inability to call political players to order.
“I painfully realised they are not in a position to call them to order because those who pay the piper dictate the tune, ” Galadima added.
Galadima, therefore, argued that such developments pose a direct threat to the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system and warned of dire consequences if the alleged plan goes forward.
“We cannot allow somebody that has a record of notoriety to be imposed on us as INEC chairman,” he declared.
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