The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress in the 2027 election, Atiku Abubakar, has accused the Federal Government of failing to adequately fund security agencies, alleging that the lapse has contributed to the worsening wave of killings, banditry and kidnappings across the country.
Atiku made the allegation on Tuesday in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, while reacting to recent comments by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, on the implementation of the 2026 budget.
The former Vice President said the remarks by the All Progressives Congress lawmaker had vindicated the opposition’s long-standing criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration over what he described as poor fiscal management.
According to Atiku, the senator raised serious constitutional questions regarding the alleged failure of the executive to fully implement budgets approved by the National Assembly and the reported non-release of funds appropriated for critical security agencies.
He argued that if security agencies were denied funds approved for intelligence gathering, logistics, equipment procurement and operational support, the Federal Government could not escape responsibility for the country’s worsening security situation.
“Every massacre should compel Nigerians to ask one simple question: were our security agencies given the resources approved by law to prevent it?” Atiku said.
“How do you expect our gallant security personnel to defeat terrorists, bandits and kidnappers when those responsible for equipping them are allegedly withholding the very funds appropriated for that purpose?”
He maintained that Senator Monguno’s intervention reinforced the opposition’s position that the Tinubu administration should be held accountable for both its fiscal management and the deteriorating security situation.
Atiku further noted that the concerns were coming from a senior member of the ruling APC rather than the opposition.
“These are not allegations from the opposition. They are grave constitutional questions raised by a distinguished senator of the ruling party,” he added.
Monguno had, during a Senate Committee session on the economy with the Minister of Finance, criticised the pace of implementation of the 2026 Appropriation Act, saying the process had “hardly begun.”
The Borno senator warned that failure to implement an appropriation law passed by the National Assembly amounted to a breach of the law and described it as an impeachable offence.
He disclosed that the National Assembly was compelled to extend the lifespan of the 2025 budget until September 2026 because about 30 per cent of the budget remained unimplemented, while about 70 per cent had been rolled over into the 2026 fiscal year.
Monguno also alleged that despite Nigeria’s worsening security challenges, critical security agencies informed lawmakers that they had received no capital releases.
He further questioned why the Federal Government allegedly retained ₦1.7tn out of the ₦3.7tn generated through the Federation Account Allocation Committee in the previous month, demanding an explanation for the unspent funds.
The senator stressed that delayed budget implementation undermines governance, noting that the appropriation law remains the primary instrument for delivering development projects and democratic dividends to Nigerians.
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had yet to respond to Atiku’s allegations.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
