President Bola Tinubu has issued a firm warning to Nigeria’s 36 state governors, saying he is prepared to invoke an executive order if states continue to undermine the financial autonomy of local government councils as guaranteed by the Supreme Court.

The warning was delivered on Wednesday during the 15th National Executive Committee meeting of the All Progressives Congress held in Abuja. According to reports from the meeting, the President expressed frustration over delays and resistance by some state governments in implementing the court’s judgment on direct funding for the 774 local government councils nationwide.

Push to Enforce Local Government Autonomy

Tinubu said governors who conduct local government elections must allow the elected councils to function independently, especially in handling their finances. He stressed that the funds allocated to local governments must be released without interference.

He reminded party leaders that the Supreme Court remains the final authority on constitutional matters and that its ruling must be obeyed. The President added that while he had exercised restraint so far, he would not hesitate to act decisively if compliance did not improve.

According to Punch, the issue of local government autonomy has remained a long standing point of tension between the federal government and state authorities, with critics arguing that state control of council funds weakens grassroots development.

Security Reforms and State Police

The President also reiterated his administration’s commitment to major security reforms. He said the federal government was moving forward with plans for state police and the deployment of forest rangers to curb terrorism and banditry.

Tinubu noted that insecurity remained a serious threat and insisted that the country must defeat terrorists through coordinated and sustained action.

Call for Party Unity and Discipline

Addressing party affairs, Tinubu urged APC leaders to remain united and tolerant, warning that internal divisions could weaken the ruling party ahead of future elections. He encouraged party members to expand the APC’s presence in states not currently controlled by the party, while maintaining discipline and respect for internal structures.

On the party’s ongoing electronic registration exercise, he cautioned against excluding Nigerians, saying the process must remain open and transparent.

Warning Over Central Gaming Bill

The President also took a clear position on the proposed Central Gaming Bill 2025 currently before the National Assembly. He said he would not give assent to the bill if passed, arguing that gaming and lottery matters fall under the residual powers of states rather than the federal government.

Legal analysts say the President’s stance reflects ongoing debates over federal and state legislative powers under Nigeria’s constitution.

2027 Election and Vote of Confidence

Earlier at the meeting, Vice President Kashim Shettima dismissed suggestions of a strong challenge to Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. He said elections are not won through online popularity but through strong coalitions, credibility, and voter trust.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, moved a motion of confidence in the President. He praised the administration’s handling of security reforms, economic policies, and fiscal transparency.

Uzodimma said petrol prices had stabilised, inflation was easing, and food prices were gradually declining. He also noted that crude oil revenues now flow directly into the Federation Account, contributing to improved foreign reserves.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani seconded the motion.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, called for careful management of the party’s growing size, warning that poor discipline could lead to factionalisation. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, on his part, assured that the National Assembly would fast track electoral reforms.

Presidential Trip to Borno, Bauchi, and Lagos

Meanwhile, the Presidency announced that Tinubu will depart Abuja on Thursday for visits to Borno, Bauchi, and Lagos states.

According to a statement by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President will inaugurate several projects in Borno executed by the state and federal governments under Governor Babagana Zulum. He will also attend the wedding of Sadeeq Sheriff, son of former Borno governor Ali Modu Sheriff.

From Maiduguri, Tinubu will travel to Bauchi to condole with the state government and the family of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, the late Islamic scholar and leader of the Tijjaniyya Muslim Brotherhood, who died on November 27, 2025.

The President will then proceed to Lagos for the end of year holidays. While in the state, he is expected to attend several official engagements, including the Eyo Festival scheduled for December 27 at Tafawa Balewa Square. The event will honour notable figures such as Tinubu’s mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, as well as former Lagos governors Lateef Jakande and Michael Otedola.