Atiku Abubakar Opposes Tinubu's $20bn Loan Request

Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, along with the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, has rejected President Bola Tinubu's request for Senate approval to borrow $20.52 billion and €1.045 billion. Atiku described the request as reckless and a threat to Nigeria's future, stating that it vindicates his earlier warning on October 12 about a potential loan plan linked to the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway.

He criticized the lack of specific project details, costs, and contractors associated with the loans, raising concerns about the potential misuse of borrowed funds. Atiku emphasized that the timing of the request, just 12 weeks before an election, is suspicious and urged the National Assembly to withhold approval until full transparency is provided.

He vowed to scrutinize any loans taken during the final year of Tinubu's presidency if elected, ensuring that all borrowing meets constitutional and statutory requirements.