Atiku queries Tinubu over suspicious N12.8trn service-wide vote

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised serious concerns about the Nigerian government's handling of its 2026 federal budget, specifically targeting a massive increase in the Service-Wide Vote (SWV). The SWV, a discretionary budget line, saw a staggering jump from N638 billion in 2025 to N12.8 trillion in 2026—a nearly 1,918 percent increase. This sharp rise has drawn sharp criticism from Atiku, who is running for president under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). According to a statement released by Atiku’s office, the SWV increase is concentrated within just 10 ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), which collectively account for 84 percent of the entire budget. The former vice president highlighted the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, where N2.19 trillion of the SWV is listed as personnel costs. This amount dwarfs the N54.8 billion allocated for salaries at the Federal Ministry of Finance. Atiku questioned the legitimacy of these figures, asking, "Who exactly are the workers earning ₦2.19 trillion? Where are they? What offices do they occupy? What agencies do they belong to?" He labeled the figures as budgetary absurdity rather than legitimate planning. The former vice president pointed out that the amounts hidden under the SWV now exceed the combined allocations for education, defense, and agriculture. Atiku suggested there might be a political motive behind the concealment of these funds, implying that the money could be used to fund the ruling party’s campaign machinery and President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. He emphasized that unless the administration provides a full explanation, Nigerians have every right to suspect such intentions. The former vice president criticized the current government for asking citizens to endure economic hardships while shielding trillions of naira behind vague budget headings. He argued that such actions undermine public trust in the government. Atiku urged the National Assembly to conduct a thorough investigation into the Service-Wide Vote, particularly focusing on the N2.19 trillion personnel allocation. He called for full disclosure of who benefits from these funds and under what legal authority they are being spent. Atiku stressed the importance of transparency in Nigeria’s budgeting process, stating that it is time to "open the books, expose the truth, and restore integrity." His call for accountability comes amid growing public concern over fiscal mismanagement and lack of transparency in government spending. The controversy surrounding the Service-Wide Vote highlights broader issues of fiscal oversight and governance in Nigeria. As the nation prepares for upcoming elections, the scrutiny of budgetary practices becomes increasingly critical. The National Assembly faces mounting pressure to address these concerns and ensure that public funds are used transparently and effectively. Atiku’s allegations against the Tinubu administration underscore the need for rigorous examination of financial allocations. With the budget serving as a cornerstone of national policy, ensuring its accuracy and transparency is essential for maintaining public confidence. The coming weeks will see whether the National Assembly takes decisive action to investigate these claims and hold accountable those responsible for managing the nation's finances.