Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu has issued a definitive directive to state governors on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), ordering full compliance with the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy. Specifically, the President insisted that governors must stop interfering with council allocations and ensure that statutory funds reach local governments directly.
Tinubu delivered this charge on Thursday night, December 18, 2025, during the 14th National Caucus meeting of the APC at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. Notably, he emphasized that administrative independence is impossible without financial control, declaring that “there is no autonomy without a funded mandate.”
The President was categorical about the implementation of the apex court’s ruling. Indeed, he argued that the credibility of the ruling party depends on its ability to strengthen governance at the grassroots level.
“To me, the local government autonomy, it is and must be effective. Let us give them. There is no autonomy without a funded mandate. We’ll give them their money directly. That’s the truth. That’s compliance with the Supreme Court,” Tinubu asserted.
Furthermore, the President urged governors to take their leadership responsibilities seriously by remaining flexible and involved in local developments. He noted that leaders must promote tolerance and get actively engaged in happenings within their states, down to the rural communities.
State Police: A Pillar of Security Reform
In addition to local government reforms, President Tinubu linked grassroots autonomy to his administration’s security agenda. He disclosed that he recently assured international partners in the United States and Europe that Nigeria will establish state police to tackle rising insecurity.
- International Assurance: Tinubu told foreign allies he is confident in passing state police legislation because of the APC’s legislative dominance.
- Party Support: “I have a party that will make it happen. If at this level we fail—God forbid—we will not fail,” the President stated.
- Reconciliation: He stressed that internal party cohesion and flexibility are essential to translate political strength into national stability.
The caucus meeting also featured an address by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda. Consequently, the party has set a deadline of January 30, 2026, for all members to complete their electronic membership registration.
This move aims to modernize the party’s database ahead of future congresses and the 2026 FCT area council elections. Ultimately, the President’s directives on LGA autonomy and state police underscore a broader strategy to decentralize power and improve service delivery to Nigerians at the grassroots.
