Atiku Accuses Tinubu of N210bn Budget Duplication

Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, accused President Bola Tinubu's administration of gross fiscal recklessness, citing a report that identified N210 billion in duplicated allocations within the 2026 federal budget. This statement was issued by Phrank Shaibu, Atiku's Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication.

Atiku argued that such duplications undermine the credibility of the government's economic reforms, which are essential for alleviating the hardships faced by Nigerians following the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates. He emphasized that the government must demonstrate fiscal discipline and accountability, urging the National Assembly to conduct a comprehensive forensic review of the 2026 Appropriation Act to identify and expose these duplications.

Atiku highlighted the negative impact of budget mismanagement on the economy, including rising living costs and unemployment, and called for stronger legislative oversight and transparency in public expenditure.