Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, on Saturday called for an independent investigation into reports alleging that public expenditure equivalent to two per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was omitted from recent national budgets.
The call for for a probe followed a recent disclosure by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that public expenditure equivalent to the alleged amount was omitted from the country’s budget.
Atiku, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said the allegation raises serious constitutional and accountability concerns that require immediate clarification from the Federal Government.
He said the reported findings, coming amid the controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), had heightened concerns over transparency in the management of public funds.
The former vice president maintained that the Constitution prescribes clear procedures for public spending and budget implementation, insisting that any expenditure outside approved appropriations must be properly accounted for.
“If, as has been reported, expenditure amounting to two per cent of Nigeria’s GDP was omitted from the budget process, Nigerians deserve to know how such funds were authorised, expended and accounted for,” Atiku said.
He described the issue as one that goes beyond accounting practices, arguing that it touches on the integrity of public institutions and constitutional governance.
Atiku called on the National Assembly, the Auditor-General of the Federation and relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate the allegations and make their findings public.
He also urged the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to explain the processes through which government institutions allegedly engaged with the PFIPC, whose official status has been disputed.
The former vice president further referenced allegations made by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi over an alleged demand for a percentage of a proposed take-off grant, saying the claims warrant an independent investigation.
“If the allegations are false, let the government prove them through an open investigation. If they are true, then every official connected with this scandal, regardless of rank or office, must be removed immediately and handed over to the appropriate security agencies for prosecution. Nigerians deserve the truth, not official denials,” he said.
Atiku said the allegations come at a time when Nigerians are grappling with rising inflation, higher electricity tariffs and increasing living costs, stressing that transparency in public finance is essential to rebuilding public confidence.
He added that the issue transcends partisan politics and centres on accountability, constitutional order and responsible governance.
“The books must be opened. Every naira must be traced. Every expenditure must be justified. Every official found culpable must be held accountable,” he said.
