Atiku Seizes on APC Senator’s Claims, Blames Fiscal Mismanagement for Nigeria’s Deepening Insecurity

Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused the Federal Government of contributing to Nigeria’s worsening security crisis through alleged fiscal mismanagement, citing recent concerns raised by a senior lawmaker of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Atiku said the remarks by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, a prominent APC senator, have reinforced long-standing opposition concerns about budget implementation, transparency in public finance, and funding for security operations.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former Vice President said the revelations were too serious to ignore at a time when insecurity continues to claim lives across the country.

According to Atiku, the senator’s comments have exposed troubling gaps in the management of public funds and raised critical questions about whether resources approved by law are reaching the agencies responsible for protecting Nigerians.

“For months, concerns raised by the opposition regarding budget implementation, security funding, and fiscal transparency were dismissed as mere politics by the APC. However, a senior member of the ruling party is now asking the same questions Nigerians have repeatedly demanded answers to,” the statement said.

Atiku noted that Senator Monguno’s concerns went beyond routine legislative oversight, describing them as fundamental constitutional issues that require urgent attention.

He pointed out that the senator questioned why budgets duly approved by the National Assembly were allegedly not being fully implemented and why trillions of naira generated by the federation were reportedly being retained rather than distributed in line with constitutional provisions.

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The ADC presidential candidate said the most alarming aspect of the senator’s intervention was the allegation that key security agencies had not received capital releases despite the escalating security challenges facing the nation.

“These are not accusations coming from the opposition. They are serious constitutional concerns raised by a distinguished senator from the ruling party,” Atiku stated.

He argued that if security institutions were being denied funds appropriated by law for equipment acquisition, intelligence gathering, logistics, and operational support, then those responsible for managing public resources must be held accountable for the consequences.

Atiku maintained that every attack, massacre, or security breach should prompt Nigerians to demand answers on whether security agencies received the funding approved for their operations.

“How can our brave security personnel effectively confront terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers if the funds allocated to equip and support them are allegedly being withheld?” he asked.

The former Vice President insisted that transparency and accountability in public finance remain essential to addressing the country’s security challenges and restoring public confidence in government institutions.