ABUJA, Nigeria — Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto South) has issued a stinging indictment of the President Bola Tinubu administration’s fiscal management, alleging that the national budgets for 2023, 2024, and 2025 were never implemented and were instead systematically looted.
Speaking on Monday in Abuja, the former Sokoto State Governor and current Senator claimed that despite official approvals, the funds meant for national development have been diverted for personal gain and political maneuvering.
“None of the 2023, 2024, or 2025 budgets was implemented. They looted and pocketed the money,” Tambuwal stated. “I am a Senator, and I am telling you the truth.”
The lawmaker’s allegations come as he takes a prominent role as Deputy Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Convention Central Coordination Committee. Tambuwal further alleged that the current administration is securing massive loans not for infrastructure or social welfare, but to build a “war chest” for vote-buying ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the Senator, the lack of implementation is reflected in the sharp decline of development allocations, which he claims have dropped from over $300 million in 2022 to approximately $201 million in 2025. He argued that while the government continues to borrow, there is no visible evidence of these funds in the nation’s healthcare, education, or transport sectors.
The Presidency has previously defended its fiscal record, maintaining that all expenditures are conducted within the framework of the Appropriation Acts passed by the National Assembly. However, Tambuwal’s direct testimony as a sitting member of the legislature adds significant weight to the growing calls for a forensic audit of the last three fiscal years.
The Senator’s remarks are expected to set a contentious tone for the ADC National Convention on Tuesday, where major opposition figures are gathering to discuss a potential coalition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
