Atiku Criticizes Tinubu's N24.7 Trillion Borrowing

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused President Bola Tinubu's administration of irresponsible domestic borrowing, stating that N24.7 trillion was borrowed from the domestic market between January and August 2026, a 90.5% increase from N12.98 trillion in the same period of 2025. Atiku made these remarks in a statement released on September 7, 2026, by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.

He noted that the 2026 budget was based on an oil price of $64.85 per barrel, while actual crude prices had risen significantly. Atiku argued that this increase in revenue should have led to reduced borrowing, not an increase.

He highlighted that government borrowing grew by 43%, while credit to the private sector only increased by 9.6%, indicating that government borrowing was outpacing business lending by 4.5 times. He warned that rising borrowing costs could hinder business expansion and increase prices for Nigerians.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the ADC for the 2027 elections, pledged to enforce fiscal discipline if elected.