Atiku and APC clash over N12.8tn allocation in 2026 budget
The debate over the N12.8tn Service-Wide Vote in the 2026 Appropriation Act has intensified, with Atiku Abubakar and the All Progressives Congress (APC) exchanging strong accusations. Atiku Abubakar's media office has demanded transparency and a detailed breakdown of the allocation, questioning the sharp increase and its justification. The APC dismissed these concerns, defending the allocation as a standard budgetary mechanism and accusing Atiku Abubakar of spreading misinformation. The controversy has drawn attention from opposition parties, civil society, and analysts, all calling for greater accountability in government spending.
What we know
- Atiku Abubakar's media office challenged the Federal Government to explain the increase in the Service-Wide Vote from N638.34bn in 2024 to over N12.8tn in 2026.
- The APC described Atiku Abubakar's concerns as mischievous and based on ignorance of public finance, defending the allocation as a contingency fund.
- The media office argued that the 1,918 per cent rise over two years requires detailed justification and transparency.
- Atiku Abubakar called for the National Assembly to conduct a thorough investigation into all allocations under the Service-Wide Vote.
- Critics allege that some allocations lack sufficient detail, raising fears of misuse and undermining public confidence in the budgeting process.
