Atiku raises concerns over N12.8trn Service-Wide Vote, demands Tinubu’s administration provide explanations
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of using the 2026 federal budget to conceal huge sums of public funds through what he described as unaccountable spending, particularly the sharp increase in the Service-Wide Vote (SWV).
Atiku, who contested the presidency under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alleged that the discretionary budget provision rose from N638 billion in 2025 to N12.8 trillion in 2026, representing an increase of about 1,918 per cent, which he described as a major example of financial opacity in Nigeria’s democratic history.
According to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, the allocation is linked to only 10 ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), which collectively account for 84 per cent of the entire budget.
The former vice president specifically questioned the allocation under the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, where he claimed N2.19 trillion was assigned as personnel costs, compared with the N54.8 billion allocated for salaries at the Federal Ministry of Finance.
“Who exactly are the workers earning ₦2.19 trillion? Where are they? What offices do they occupy? What agencies do they belong to?” he asked, describing the figures as budgetary absurdity rather than genuine financial planning.
Atiku argued that the funds placed under the SWV surpass the combined allocations for critical sectors such as education, defence and agriculture. He also suggested that the unexplained figures could raise concerns about possible political motives ahead of the 2027 general election.
He said Nigerians may have reasons to suspect that the funds could be used to support the ruling party’s political activities and President Tinubu’s re-election efforts unless the administration provides a full account of how the money will be spent.
The former vice president further criticised the budget as a reflection of a broader credibility challenge, stating that a government asking citizens to endure economic difficulties should not keep trillions of naira under unclear budget headings.
Atiku called on the National Assembly to conduct a detailed review of the Service-Wide Vote, particularly the N2.19 trillion personnel allocation, and ensure transparency regarding beneficiaries and the legal basis for the spending.
“It is time to open the books, expose the truth and restore integrity to Nigeria’s budgeting process,” he said.