ADC Presidential Candidate Calls for Full Investigation Into Alleged Off-Budget Expenditure, PFIPC Controversy
The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called for an independent investigation into alleged off-budget government spending, following concerns raised in a recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) report on Nigeria’s public finances.
In a statement issued through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku questioned what he described as unexplained public expenditure reportedly equivalent to about two per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), arguing that such spending could not have occurred without official approval.
According to the former Vice President, every government expenditure must pass through a constitutional approval process, insisting that Nigerians deserve to know who authorised, released and utilised the funds.
Atiku linked the IMF’s observations to the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), saying both issues point to serious concerns about transparency, fiscal accountability and public financial management.
He also questioned reports that the controversial agency allegedly received about ₦1.3 billion while critical sectors, including healthcare, continue to face funding challenges despite approved budget allocations.
The ADC standard-bearer called on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, to explain how the disputed agency allegedly gained official recognition despite the Presidency’s insistence that no such agency exists.
He further urged authorities to investigate allegations reportedly made by Adeniyi Adeyemi, the central figure in the PFIPC controversy, regarding an alleged demand for kickbacks linked to the agency’s proposed funding.
Atiku maintained that the allegations should be subjected to an independent investigation to either establish wrongdoing or clear those accused.
He also called on the National Assembly, the Auditor-General of the Federation, the Public Accounts Committees, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the alleged fiscal gaps and ensure that every public expenditure is properly accounted for.
According to Atiku, restoring public confidence in government requires transparency, accountability and full disclosure of all alleged off-budget spending.
