Service-Wide Vote: APC slams Atiku, says ex-VP ‘more disoriented and misguided than ever before’

Vanguard NigeriaIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 653 days ago

Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu over a significant increase in the Service-Wide Vote (SWV), a discretionary budget line, which rose from N638 billion in 2025 to N12.8 trillion in 2026. Atiku claims this represents a nearly 1,918% increase and accuses the government of fiscal opacity. He highlights that the SWV is concentrated within 10 ministries, departments, and agencies, accounting for 84% of the total budget. Specifically, he points out that N2.19 trillion of the SWV is listed as personnel costs, vastly exceeding the N54.8 billion allocated for salaries at the Federal Ministry of Finance. Atiku questions the legitimacy of these figures and suggests the funds might be used to support the ruling party's re-election efforts in 2027. He calls for a detailed investigation into the SWV by the National Assembly to ensure transparency and accountability.

Bias read (Progressive): The article presents a critical perspective towards the current administration, highlighting concerns about fiscal transparency and suggesting potential misuse of funds for political purposes. The framing emphasizes skepticism toward the government's financial practices and calls for increased audit

Why factuality (85): The article reports Onaiyekhini's accusations against Tinubu regarding the SWV increase, citing specific figures and sources like the statement from his spokesman. While no primary source is available, the claims align with the cross-source consensus among other articles discussing similar allegatio

Why objectivity (65): The tone is critical of Tinubu and the administration, using strong language such as 'budgetary absurdity' and suggesting political motives. This reflects a clear bias towards the opposition perspective, limiting objectivity.

Premium Times NigeriaIndependentConservativeFactual 80Objective 70yesterday

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria's ruling party, has strongly rejected claims by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that the 2026 Service-Wide Vote (SWV) in the national budget was intended to fund President Bola Tinubu's re-election campaign in 2027. The APC called these allegations 'mischievous' and criticized Atiku for lacking understanding of public finance principles. In a statement, APC's National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, accused Atiku of being 'disoriented and misguided,' suggesting he lacks credible evidence to support his claims. The APC explained that the SWV is a standard budgetary mechanism used globally to address unforeseen expenses and is not a secret fund or illegal slush account. Morka also attacked Atiku personally, linking his past to allegations of corruption and profligacy, and argued that Atiku is trying to shift focus away from the achievements of the current administration.

Bias read (Conservative): The article presents the APC's perspective in a highly critical tone toward Atiku Abubakar, using strong language such as 'disoriented and misguided,' 'mischievous,' and 'recklessly alleged.' It frames Atiku's claims as unfounded and attacks his credibility by referencing his 'sordid past' and 'mind

Why factuality (80): This article presents the APC's response to Atiku's allegations, referencing public finance principles and the purpose of the SWV. It aligns with the cross-source consensus by addressing the same allegations and providing context about the SWV. However, it lacks direct evidence and relies on the APC

Why objectivity (70): While the article remains relatively neutral in presenting both sides, it does carry a slight pro-Tinubu/ACD tone, particularly when criticizing Atiku's understanding of public finance concepts. The language suggests some level of editorializing.

Vanguard NigeriaIndependentProgressiveFactual 75Objective 605 days ago

Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress has called on the National Assembly (NASS) to investigate the 2026 Appropriation Act after reports revealed over ₦210 billion in duplicated budget allocations. His team accused the Tinubu administration of fiscal recklessness, linking the issue to broader patterns of questionable budget practices and declining living standards. Atiku pointed to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation's (NNPC) 2024 financial statements, which showed ₦7.13 trillion spent on 'Energy Security Expenses'—identified as petrol subsidies despite their supposed removal in 2023. He criticized the government for failing to address economic hardships, including food insecurity and unemployment, while celebrating select economic indicators. Atiku urged independent scrutiny of the budget by oversight bodies and promised transparency if elected.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the budgetary issues as evidence of systemic fiscal mismanagement under the Tinubu administration, using strong criticism of the current government and advocacy for reform aligned with progressive fiscal policies. The tone and emphasis on corruption, transparency, and public trust

Why factuality (75): The article discusses Atiku's demand for a forensic review of the 2026 budget, citing specific figures like the ₦210 billion duplication and referencing the NNPC's financial statements. These claims are consistent with other articles, though the lack of primary documentation makes verification chall

Why objectivity (60): The article uses emotionally charged language such as 'fiscally reckless governments' and links the budget issues to broader societal hardships. This suggests a biased narrative favoring Atiku's critique of the administration.

Vanguard NigeriaIndependentCenter4 hr. ago

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticized the Bola Tinubu administration for responding to public inquiries with personal attacks rather than providing factual clarity. He argued that the government's focus on insulting him instead of addressing legitimate questions about financial disclosures and potential legal issues reflects a lack of confidence in its position. Atiku emphasized that these questions stem from publicly available records and are not an attack on Nigeria's sovereignty. He pointed out the irony of seeking foreign investment while opposing international scrutiny and urged the administration to adopt a more transparent approach. Atiku insisted that Nigerians deserve clear answers and transparency, not deflection through personal criticism.

Bias read (Center): The article presents Atiku Abubakar's criticisms of the Tinubu administration without overtly favoring either side. It reports his claims of insufficient transparency and personal attacks from the presidency but does not take a stance on the validity of these claims or present counterarguments fromB

The PunchIndependentProgressive20 hr. ago

The 2026 Nigerian budget sparked controversy over a N12.8 trillion 'Service-Wide Vote' allocation, with opposition leader Atiku Abubakar and his African Democratic Congress demanding transparency and line-by-line scrutiny of the spending. Atiku's media team called for full disclosure of beneficiaries, legal basis, and expenditure frameworks for all funds, arguing that a government unable to account for such large sums loses legitimacy. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), representing President Bola Tinubu, rejected these claims as misleading and politically motivated, accusing Atiku of lacking understanding of public finance principles. The APC defended the Service-Wide Vote as a standard fiscal tool used globally to manage unexpected expenses, dismissing allegations of misuse or secrecy.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the dispute as a struggle for transparency and accountability, aligning with progressive values. Atiku's call for detailed budget scrutiny and criticism of opaque spending reflect a left-leaning emphasis on governmental responsibility. The APC's defense of the Service-Wide Vote as