Tinubu Calls on Governors to Hand LG Funds Directly, Highlights Security Plans

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday directed Nigeria’s 36 governors to hand over local government allocations directly to councils in line with a recent Supreme Court judgment, emphasizing that local government autonomy must be accompanied by fully funded mandates.

Speaking at the 14th All Progressives Congress (APC) National Caucus meeting at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, Tinubu underscored the need for flexibility, inclusivity, and active involvement of party leaders at all levels, including grassroots and rural communities.

“You must yield, continue to promote tolerance, be flexible, and actively engage in what is happening in your states, down to the local government level,” Tinubu said.

The President also briefed attendees on security initiatives, assuring international partners from the United States and the European Union that Nigeria will establish state police to tackle rising insecurity. “They asked me if I am confident, and I said yes. We have a party that will make it happen. With strong leadership, we will succeed,” he added.

Tinubu further extended condolences to the government and people of Bayelsa State following the death of the Deputy Governor, praying for the repose of his soul.

Push for Gender Inclusion and Party Growth

The President called for increased participation of women in party leadership and decision-making processes. National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, highlighted the party’s growing national acceptance, citing high-profile defections, an electronic membership registration drive, and plans for a new national secretariat in Abuja.

Yilwatda described the caucus meeting as his first major engagement since assuming the chairmanship in July and praised Tinubu’s leadership for strengthening party cohesion. “Recent defections and political developments reflect APC’s pan-Nigerian character and growing influence,” he said, noting that the party now holds an “overwhelming majority” in both chambers of the National Assembly.

Highlighting notable recent defections, Yilwatda mentioned governors from Bayelsa, Enugu, Taraba, and Rivers states. He also announced the launch of an electronic membership registration system aimed at improving transparency, data integrity, and internal democracy. The registration drive will run until January 30, 2026, in preparation for party congresses.

Party Infrastructure and Electoral Preparation

On party infrastructure, Yilwatda revealed that the APC has secured land in Abuja’s Central Business District for a new national secretariat, with architectural designs underway. He further cited the party’s strong performance in recent by-elections and primaries, noting that the APC won 14 of 17 contested constituencies in August, representing an 80 percent success rate.

He also briefed caucus members on ongoing constitutional amendment efforts led by Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni. Public hearings have already been conducted in four geopolitical zones, with the North-East and South-West yet to complete theirs. Yilwatda urged governors in these zones to identify host states to ensure completion of the process ahead of the next national convention, slated for March 2026.

Preparations for local government elections in the Federal Capital Territory were also discussed, with the Independent National Electoral Commission setting February 21, 2026, as the election date. The APC is positioning to secure victories across all six area councils.

Unity and Forward-Looking Agenda

The APC leadership reiterated its commitment to President Tinubu’s reform agenda, which it claims is producing positive results in economic stabilization, infrastructure development, and national security.

“The APC remains united, resilient, and forward-looking. With continuous support, we will strengthen the party ahead of congresses and the national convention, and build support for purposeful leadership across Nigeria,” Yilwatda said.

The caucus brought together top party officials, including the President, Vice President, national chairman, National Working Committee members, APC governors, and recently defected governors from the Peoples Democratic Party, such as Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Enugu Governor Peter Mbah, Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri, Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, and Taraba Governor Agbu Kefas. Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas emphasized the importance of collaboration and equitable participation of all members in party leadership.

The APC National Caucus serves as a strategic forum for aligning party leadership on organizational, political, and governance issues ahead of broader National Executive Committee deliberations.