The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s allegation that the 2026 Service-Wide Vote (SWV) was designed to finance President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign, describing the claim as “mischievous” and a demonstration of ignorance of public finance principles.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the ruling party said Atiku failed to provide evidence to support his claim, accusing him of attempting to mislead Nigerians and distract attention from what it described as the achievements of the Tinubu administration.
“His recent allegation that the 2026 budgetary Service Wide Vote was set aside to fund President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign is either highly mischievous or shows disturbing ignorance of basic principles of public finance,” Morka said.
The APC explained that the Service Wide Vote is a recognised budgetary mechanism used by governments to address unforeseen obligations and government, wide expenditures that may arise after the passage of the annual budget.
“A Service Wide Vote is a long established and widely used budgetary mechanism designed to cater for government wide obligations and unforeseen expenditures that arise after the annual budget has been passed,” the statement said.
The party rejected claims that the provision was a hidden fund, insisting that it is a legitimate component of public budgeting.
“A Service Wide Vote is not a secret fund or an illegal slush account, as Atiku has baselessly and recklessly alleged,” Morka stated.
The APC also criticised the former vice president’s comments, accusing him of attempting to judge the Tinubu administration through the lens of his own political history.
“The ghost of his sordid past haunts Atiku. Ironically, a man whose reputation as a public servant is mired in some of Nigeria’s darkest episodes of mindless corruption and profligacy would attempt to smear a high-achieving administration and lecture Nigerians on matters of fiscal responsibility and budgetary transparency,” Morka said.
The ruling party further accused Atiku of making repeated allegations without presenting a clear alternative vision for the country.
“As a serial presidential contestant, Atiku has never once articulated a clear vision or coherent plan for Nigeria’s development but has remained a petty peddler of fake news and doomsday narratives,” the statement added.
Morka said the former vice president’s claims were irresponsible and unbecoming of someone who previously occupied the country’s second highest office.
“Spewing baseless and inflammatory allegations without justification is utterly irresponsible and unbecoming of a former Vice President,” he said.
Defending the Tinubu administration, the APC listed programmes including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the new national minimum wage, the Consumer Credit Scheme, the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative, infrastructure development, healthcare investments, agricultural reforms and tax reforms.
The party said these interventions demonstrate the government’s commitment to responsible management of public resources.
“Nigerians are discerning enough to tell the difference between President Tinubu and desperate, rudderless presidential candidates. President Tinubu is busy transforming national challenges into national opportunities and making big and unprecedented wins for our country,” Morka stated.
The APC said the Tinubu administration remains focused on implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda through economic reforms, institutional strengthening, infrastructure expansion and policies aimed at improving the living conditions of Nigerians.