ABUJA – Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called for an independent investigation into the Federal Government’s financial management following claims by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that public expenditure equivalent to two per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was omitted from recent national budgets.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the alleged omission as a serious constitutional and fiscal issue, arguing that it raises questions about transparency and accountability under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The former vice president said the IMF’s observation, alongside the controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), suggests what he described as a pattern of institutional abuse and opaque financial practices within government.
According to Atiku, the alleged off-budget expenditure cannot be dismissed as a mere accounting error.
“The Constitution is clear. Section 80 provides that no money shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Revenue Fund except as authorised by the National Assembly. If expenditure amounting to two per cent of Nigeria’s GDP was kept outside the budget, Nigerians deserve to know who approved it, who spent it and who benefited from it,” he said.
He argued that the development has reinforced concerns that the PFIPC controversy was not an isolated incident but part of a broader problem affecting public financial management.
Atiku also questioned the government’s spending priorities, alleging that while the Federal Ministry of Health reportedly received only ₦36 million for critical health interventions despite an appropriation exceeding ₦218 billion, the PFIPC—an agency the Presidency has reportedly distanced itself from—was allegedly allocated about ₦1.3 billion.
He described the situation as evidence of “institutionalised corruption,” saying it reflects misplaced priorities in public expenditure.
The former vice president further called on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to explain how the PFIPC allegedly gained official recognition within government institutions.
He also referenced allegations made by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, a key figure in the controversy, who claimed the dispute arose after he allegedly refused a demand for a 48 per cent kickback linked to the agency’s proposed ₦27.3 billion take-off grant.
Atiku said the allegations require a transparent and independent investigation, stressing that any official found culpable should face prosecution if the claims are substantiated.
He urged the Auditor-General of the Federation, the Public Accounts Committees of the National Assembly, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the matter thoroughly.
“The books must be opened. Every naira must be traced. Every expenditure must be justified, and every official found culpable must be held accountable,” he said.
The Federal Government has yet to officially respond to Atiku’s latest remarks.
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