The All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his allegation concerning the use of the Service-Wide Vote, describing the former presidential candidate’s position as a sign of ignorance about Nigeria’s budgetary and financial procedures.
The ruling party’s response followed comments attributed to Atiku in which he reportedly raised concerns about the management and use of Service-Wide Votes under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Reacting to the allegation, the APC reportedly dismissed Atiku’s claims, arguing that the former vice president’s understanding of the budgetary provision was inaccurate. The party described him as “ignorant” of the processes governing the allocation and utilisation of funds under the Service-Wide Vote.
The exchange has attracted attention because the Service-Wide Vote is an important component of Nigeria’s federal budget and has historically been used to finance government obligations that may not be allocated directly to individual ministries, departments and agencies.
The controversy is also significant against the backdrop of growing political disagreements between the APC-led Federal Government and opposition figures over public spending, economic management and accountability.
Atiku, a former vice president and a leading opposition politician, has consistently criticised aspects of the Tinubu administration’s economic policies and governance. His comments on government spending have frequently attracted responses from ruling party officials and supporters.
The APC’s latest reaction represents the party’s defence of the administration and its handling of public finances. However, the political nature of the exchange means that the claims and counterclaims should be considered alongside official budget documents and financial records.
The debate comes as Nigeria continues to face economic challenges, including inflation, rising living costs and concerns over public expenditure. Calls for transparency and accountability in the management of government funds remain central to public discussions.
The Service-Wide Vote has been part of Nigeria’s federal budgeting system for years, allowing the government to meet certain expenditures and emerging financial obligations. The latest dispute between Atiku and the APC therefore highlights the broader political debate over budgetary transparency, fiscal responsibility and the management of public resources under the Tinubu administration.
