Atiku to Tinubu: You Owe Nigerians Explanation on N12.8trn in 2026 Budget

ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu of a “brazen assault on transparency” over the 2026 budget, demanding an explanation for the N12.8 trillion warehoused under the Service-Wide Vote—a 1,918% increase from N638 billion in 2025.​

Atiku said 84% of the entire budget is concentrated in just 10 MDAs, while the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning carries an “eye-watering” N2.19 trillion personnel provision under the Service-Wide Vote.

He warned that the funds could be “stashed away to bankroll the APC’s political machinery and President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.” Atiku called on the National Assembly to conduct a line-by-line investigation.

Key Points:

Service-Wide Vote increased from N638bn in 2025 to N12.8trn in 2026—a 1,918% rise.
84% of the 2026 budget is concentrated in just 10 MDAs.
N2.19 trillion personnel provision sits under the Service-Wide Vote.
Atiku warns funds could be used to bankroll APC’s 2027 re-election bid.
He calls for a line-by-line investigation by the National Assembly.

The National Assembly’s response to Atiku’s call for investigation and whether the government provides clarity on the Service-Wide Vote allocations.