The All Progressives Congress (APC) Local Government Chairmen Forum has stated that governors within the party are aligned with the Supreme Court ruling that mandates complete autonomy for the country’s 774 local government areas. Dr. Mustafa Jibril Alheri, who chairs both the Chanchaga Local Government Council and the Progressives Local Government Chairmen Forum, clarified this stance during a press event in Abuja following a meeting with national party leaders.
Alheri emphasized that state governors are already in the process of complying with the judicial decision, characterizing the shift as a steady, ongoing transition. He specifically noted the support provided by Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, to the agenda led by the President. According to Alheri, the party is committed to achieving full independence for local councils as part of a collaborative effort with state leadership.
This follows a July 2024 Supreme Court ruling where a seven-member panel, led by Justice Emmanuel Agim, mandated that local government allocations must be disbursed directly from the Accountant-General of the Federation. The court declared it unconstitutional for state governors to retain funds designated for local councils. Despite concerns regarding delays in implementation—which prompted President Bola Tinubu to consider an Executive Order for enforcement—Alheri maintained that the relationship between chairmen and governors remains positive and that the transition to autonomy is progressing effectively.
