The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has challenged the Federal Government to explain the alleged missing two percent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
His reaction followed a disclosure by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that public expenditure equivalent to two percent of GDP was omitted from Nigeria’s budget.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Atiku described the development as a serious concern.
He said the IMF report and the controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) raised questions about public financial management.
Atiku argued that such spending outside the budget violates constitutional provisions.
He said Nigerians deserve to know who approved and spent the missing funds.
According to him, the issue is beyond an accounting error.
He described it as a constitutional, legal and moral scandal.
The former Vice President alleged that the missing expenditure points to institutional corruption.
He also linked it to the controversy over the alleged PFIPC.
Atiku questioned how the alleged agency gained official government recognition.
He accused the government of misplaced spending priorities.
According to him, critical healthcare programmes received inadequate funding.
He claimed the alleged PFIPC was allocated about ₦1.3 billion.
Atiku called on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, to explain the agency’s recognition.
He also referred to allegations made by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi.
Adeyemi allegedly claimed he was asked to pay a 48 percent kickback on a proposed ₦27.3 billion grant.
Atiku said the allegations require an independent investigation.
He urged the government to either disprove the claims or prosecute anyone found guilty.
He lamented the economic hardship facing Nigerians.
According to him, citizens deserve accountability over public funds.
He said transparency cannot exist where public spending is hidden.
Atiku called on the National Assembly, EFCC, ICPC and the Auditor-General to investigate the IMF findings.
He insisted that every naira spent must be accounted for.
He concluded by urging the Tinubu administration to explain the alleged missing two percent of Nigeria’s GDP.
