We demand explanation – Peter Obi to Presidency on alleged N3trn budget padding

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party has called for clarity and transparency urging the National Assembly to explain the discrepancies surrounding the budget presented to the Nigerians and that expended by the presidency.

Obi, in a post on X, said it is worrying the N3 trillion amount involved represents over 10% of the national budget.

The former Anambra governor raised the concern after Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central enquired about the N3 trillion in the 2024 N28.7 trillion budget.

The presidency through a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy reacted to the claims by the Ningi.

According to the presidency, the federal government allowed the budget to the jacked up by N1.2 trillion "in the spirit of democracy".

Reacting, Obi decried the lack of transparency in managing public funds, stressing that it was a breach of trust.

Posting on X, Obi wrote: “I find it deeply disconcerting and a matter of grave concern and even shameful to read about the alleged N3 trillion discrepancy between the budget approved by the Nigerian Senate and the one being implemented by the presidency.

“One Senator claims there is a separate budget, allegedly containing the N3 trillion, that differs from what was passed by the National Assembly.

“This alleged discrepancy is especially worrying because it represents over 10% of our national budget (estimated at N29 trillion) and is more than the combined education (N1.54 trillion) and health (N1.38 trillion) official budgets.

“We also deserve full accountability of all our scarce resources placed in public trust. Therefore, we, the Nigerian people, demand a public explanation from both the National Assembly and the Presidency regarding the purpose and process of adding this alleged N3 trillion.”