Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called on the National Assembly to immediately conduct a comprehensive forensic review of the 2026 Appropriation Act following reports of more than ₦210 billion in alleged duplicated and overlapping budget allocations.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the alleged discovery, coupled with Nigeria’s poor performance on several global prosperity indicators, reflected what he described as fiscal recklessness under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
He said Nigerians had endured years of economic hardship after being told that the removal of fuel subsidy, exchange rate unification, higher taxes and increased tariffs were necessary reforms that would eventually improve the economy.
According to him, the government has failed to explain how over ₦210 billion was allegedly captured in duplicated and overlapping budget provisions despite the sacrifices imposed on citizens.
Atiku also alleged that the findings were consistent with a broader pattern of questionable budgeting, including allocations for projects outside the statutory responsibilities of government agencies and multi-billion naira budget insertions.
The former vice president further referenced the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited’s audited 2024 financial statements, claiming they showed ₦7.13 trillion spent on what the company described as “Energy Security Expenses,” which he argued amounted to petrol subsidy payments despite the Federal Government’s declaration that subsidy was removed in 2023.
He said the alleged fiscal mismanagement was evident in worsening living conditions across the country, with many households struggling to afford basic needs, businesses shutting down and graduates facing unemployment despite government claims of economic progress.
Atiku urged the Auditor-General of the Federation, anti-corruption agencies and civil society organisations to independently investigate the 2026 budget, identify those responsible for the alleged duplicated allocations and ensure that any improperly appropriated funds are recovered.
He added that an ADC-led administration would prioritise transparent budgeting, adopt zero-based expenditure planning, deploy digital public expenditure tracking systems and enforce strict accountability for public officials.
“Nigeria deserves custodians of her commonwealth, not Bourdillon caretakers of waste,” Atiku said.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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