President Bola Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s 36 governors to hand over local government allocations directly to the councils, in compliance with a recent Supreme Court ruling. Speaking at the 14th APC National Caucus meeting at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized that local government autonomy must be backed by funded mandates.

He stated,

“There is no autonomy without funded mandate. We will give them their money directly. That’s the truth. That’s compliance with the Supreme Court. Take leadership seriously.”

Tinubu also advised governors and party leaders to remain flexible, tolerant, and actively engaged at all levels of governance, including rural communities.

In addition, the President highlighted his discussions with US and European officials regarding Nigeria’s plans to establish state police to strengthen security. He expressed confidence that, with party support, the initiative would succeed.

“I had a very long discussion with the US and European heads. They asked me if I’m confident, and I say yes. I have a party to depend on, and we are the majority. We are the leaders,” he said.

The President also condoled with the government of Bayelsa State over the death of its deputy governor, praying for the repose of his soul, and called for greater inclusion of women in the party caucus.

Earlier, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda praised the party’s growing national influence, citing recent defections, an electronic membership registration drive, and plans for a new national secretariat in Abuja. He highlighted the APC’s consolidation of structures and strong cohesion under Tinubu’s leadership ahead of upcoming congresses and the 2026 national convention.

Notably, six governors recently elected on the platform of the PDP—including Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Enugu Governor Peter Mbah, and Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori—attended the caucus after defecting to the APC. Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas underscored the need to respect governors as key leaders of the party at the state level.

The APC National Caucus serves as a strategic forum for top leadership, including the President, Vice President, National Working Committee members, and governors, to align on political and organizational priorities.