Atiku Abubakar Accuses Tinubu Administration of Budget Manipulation
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's government over alleged budgetary manipulations and public ridicule. Atiku claims the administration inserted billions of naira for road construction projects under the budget of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education in the 2026 Appropriation Act.
Road Projects Hidden in Education Budget
In a statement issued by Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, Atiku said the road projects appear on page 2236 of the Appropriation Act, 2026. He argued that the commission was established to address the national emergency of millions of out-of-school children, not to construct roads. This, he said, is a deliberate concealment of questionable projects in obscure agencies for the purpose of diverting public funds.
“The unavoidable conclusion is that the administration’s henchmen have once again resorted to the now familiar tactic of hiding questionable projects in backwater agencies where public scrutiny is minimal and where funds can be more easily diverted,” Atiku stated.
Betrayal of Nigerian Children
Atiku lamented that converting an education commission into a contractor for road projects is a cruel betrayal of the children the commission was created to serve. He noted that over 20 million Nigerian children remain out of school, and the Almajiri crisis threatens the future of an entire generation. “This is the height of irresponsibility. It is the height of impunity. Indeed, it is the height of evil,” he said.
Presidency’s Response and PFIPC Scandal
Atiku also slammed the Presidency for attempting to rescue Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila from allegations surrounding the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) scandal. He questioned why the government has not taken legal action against alleged fraudster Prince Adeyemi. The former vice president said the administration’s press statements and political sophistry cannot wave away these allegations.
“The evidence increasingly points to a disturbing culture of impunity,” Atiku added.
Broader Governance Concerns
Recall that Atiku had earlier condemned President Tinubu’s administration for recurring governance scandals. He said the PFIPC controversy exemplifies the growing issue of accountability in Nigeria, where investigations appear selective, favoring the powerful over ordinary citizens. Atiku claimed the government is compromised by internal fraudsters and described the Presidency’s explanation as a public confession of institutional failure.
