Obi Slams Tinubu Over Alleged ₦8.83tn Spending

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of corruption over claims that ₦8.83 trillion spent in 2025 was not included in the national budget.

Obi made the allegation in a statement shared on his X account on Sunday, referring to what he described as findings contained in the latest International Monetary Fund (IMF) consultation report.

According to him, the reported expenditure was not appropriated in the 2025 budget and was therefore outside the normal process of legislative oversight and administrative review.

Obi argued that the alleged off-budget spending raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. He maintained that the amount, which he said represents about two per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), was not subjected to the approval process required by law.

The former Anambra State governor also stated that the figure is more than 35 per cent of the country’s ₦23.96 trillion capital expenditure allocation for the 2025 fiscal year.

He further claimed that the amount is higher than the combined allocations made to the education and health sectors in the same budget. According to him, the money could have been used to improve essential public services, create employment opportunities and support economic growth if properly managed.

Obi alleged that the development reflects a pattern of poor financial management by the current administration.

He also accused the Federal Government of failing to follow basic principles of public financial management, warning that such actions could worsen poverty and create additional economic challenges for the country.

Describing the Tinubu administration as corrupt, incompetent and insensitive, Obi said the alleged expenditure further strengthens the need for greater transparency and accountability in the handling of public resources.

The former governor also renewed his call for President Tinubu to resign, arguing that the administration has failed to fulfil its campaign promises and has not done enough to improve the welfare and security of Nigerians.

He urged Nigerians to continue demanding accountability from the government through peaceful and democratic means.

As of the time this report was filed, the Presidency and the Federal Government had not issued any response to Obi’s allegations.