Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has questioned the Tinubu administration’s handling of ₦11.2 trillion in Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipeline-related spending, as he rejected the president’s claim that opposition parties created hunger and poverty.
Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, demanded explanations for government spending, rising poverty and insecurity in Nigeria.
His response was contained in a statement signed by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, on Saturday.
Atiku questions NNPC spending, poverty figures
Atiku asked the president to explain how public funds had been spent and what the government had delivered in return.
“Which administration recorded ₦7.13 trillion under ‘energy security’ in 2024 and faces questions over ₦11.2 trillion in NNPC pipeline related spending? Nigerians deserve to know who received these sums and what was delivered,” he said.
He also questioned a $12.4 billion gap flagged in Nigeria’s external accounts for the first half of 2026 and a payment of $22.5 million in “other charges” on the Abu Dhabi financing facility.
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On the economy, Atiku cited the removal of the petrol subsidy and the naira’s fall from about ₦471 to ₦1,329 against the dollar. He asked Tinubu to account for the changes under his administration.
He also pointed to a World Bank estimate that 63 per cent of Nigerians would live below the national poverty line in 2026.
Atiku questioned the extension of the 2024 budget into 2025 alongside the operation of a separate 2025 budget.
ADC candidate faults Tinubu over hardship, insecurity
Atiku accused Tinubu of blaming opposition parties for hunger instead of answering questions about his government’s performance.
“Mr President, blaming the opposition for hunger is either delusion or a staggering case of political amnesia. The APC governed Nigeria for eight years before you took office. You have added another three and a half years. Nigerians know who has been in power, and hardship did not begin when the opposition started talking about it. Stop insulting their intelligence and answer for your record,” he said.
He also criticised Tinubu’s decision to commission the unfinished Abuja to Kaduna Expressway from inside a stadium.
“Your decision to commission the unfinished Abuja to Kaduna Expressway from inside a stadium shows how far removed you are from the daily reality of Nigerians. A road cannot be completed with a speech or a ribbon cutting ceremony,” Atiku said.
The ADC candidate further questioned the government’s handling of killings, kidnappings and the displacement of people in affected communities.
“Which administration is responsible for the killings, kidnappings and displacement that continue to terrorise communities? These are the questions Nigerians are asking while your government blames the opposition,” he said.
Atiku said Nigerians would assess Tinubu’s performance through their living conditions and use the 2027 presidential election to judge his record.
“The 2027 presidential election will be a referendum on your record. Nigerians have felt the cost of your leadership in their homes, markets and communities. Their verdict is already clear: they have rejected your administration,” he said.
WHAT READERS SHOULD KNOW
The statement presents Atiku’s accusations against Tinubu and raises questions about government spending, poverty, public finance and security.
Atiku’s figures and claims about government spending are presented as part of his criticism of the administration.
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