Obi Accuses Tinubu Government of hiding ₦8.83trn Expenditure

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

The allegation stems from findings in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) consultation report, which Obi cited in a statement posted on his X account. He argued that the expenditure was outside legislative oversight and administrative scrutiny, raising concerns about transparency in public financial management.

According to Obi, the IMF report revealed that the ₦8.83 trillion was not appropriated in the 2025 budget. He described the situation as “horrible,” stressing that such spending undermines accountability.

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He noted that the amount represents about two per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and more than 35 per cent of the ₦23.96 trillion capital expenditure budget for 2025.

Obi further claimed that the sum exceeds the combined allocations to education and health in the 2025 budget. He argued that if properly managed, the funds could have improved public services, created jobs, and supported economic growth.

The former Anambra State governor described the development as evidence of financial mismanagement, warning that such practices could deepen poverty and destabilise the country.

Obi labelled the Tinubu administration “grossly corrupt, incompetent and insensitive,” insisting that the alleged expenditure highlights the urgent need for accountability in governance. He reiterated his call for President Tinubu to resign, citing failure to deliver on campaign promises and lack of commitment to citizens’ welfare.

He urged Nigerians to hold the government accountable through lawful and democratic means.

As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency and the Federal Government had not responded to Obi’s claims.