Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Federal Government to account for public expenditures allegedly excluded from Nigeria’s recent budget documents, describing the development as evidence of “institutional corruption.”
Atiku’s remarks followed a recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) report which raised concerns over gaps in Nigeria’s fiscal reporting. The IMF said government spending equivalent to about two per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was not captured in official budget documentation, recommending improved transparency and stronger public financial management.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the alleged omission raised serious constitutional and accountability concerns that required urgent investigation.
He questioned the nature of the unreported spending, saying Nigerians deserved clarity on how such funds were approved and disbursed.
“If, as the IMF has revealed, expenditure amounting to two per cent of Nigeria’s GDP was omitted from the budget process, then Nigerians are entitled to one simple question: who stole the missing two per cent of our GDP?” he said.
Atiku added that the situation could not be dismissed as a mere accounting error, insisting that “money does not simply disappear from a national budget” and calling for those responsible to be identified.
He also linked the IMF findings to a separate controversy over an alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, which the Presidency has denied establishing. According to him, both issues suggest broader concerns around fiscal accountability and the management of public institutions.
The former vice president further alleged discrepancies in government spending priorities, citing reports that the Federal Ministry of Health received significantly lower releases compared to its budgetary allocation, while funds were allegedly directed to the disputed agency.
He described the situation as a reflection of “warped priorities,” arguing that critical sectors such as healthcare were being underfunded while other entities reportedly received substantial allocations.
Atiku also called on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, to clarify how the alleged agency was recognised within official government structures.
He referenced claims made by individuals linked to the controversy alleging demands for kickbacks in connection with a proposed multi-billion-naira take-off grant, describing the allegations as serious and requiring independent investigation.
Atiku urged the government to conduct a transparent inquiry, stating that officials found culpable should be held accountable if the allegations are substantiated.
He further argued that Nigerians were being asked to endure economic hardship, including subsidy removal, rising tariffs and inflation, while lacking clarity on public expenditure.
The former vice president called on the National Assembly, the Auditor-General of the Federation, anti-corruption agencies and parliamentary committees to investigate the matter, stressing that full transparency was necessary to restore public confidence in government finances.
