The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of prioritising political propaganda, campaign advertisements and patronage over critical national development needs, alleging that essential sectors such as defence, healthcare, education and infrastructure remain inadequately funded.
The opposition party said the government’s spending priorities raised serious questions about its commitment to public service delivery, particularly amid increasing security challenges and economic hardship.
The National Campaign Council Spokesperson of the NDC, Dr. Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, made the allegations in a statement issued on Sunday, claiming that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and groups supporting Tinubu’s re-election were committing enormous financial resources to political publicity, donations and distribution of gifts.
Ikokwu cited what she described as disturbing figures from the 2025 budget implementation, alleging that only about seven per cent of the Defence Capital Budget was released despite the country's worsening security situation.
She also expressed concern over the reported release of just N36 million out of the N218 billion allocated to health capital expenditure in the same fiscal year.
“Even more disturbing was when the Minister of Health reported that only N36 million out of the N218 billion allocated to Health Capital expenditure was released in the same 2025,” she said.
According to the NDC spokesperson, the alleged funding gaps were particularly troubling against the backdrop of substantial government revenues following the removal of fuel subsidy and increased taxation.
She questioned why an administration benefiting from increased revenue would continue to cite financial constraints when confronted with demands for improved security, healthcare, education, federal roads and social welfare.
The party also alleged that political groups and individuals claiming to support Tinubu’s mandate had been distributing vehicles, laptops, sewing machines, food items and other gifts, while critical public services continued to suffer from inadequate funding.
Part of the statement read: “Nigerians are naturally wondering how an administration with so much money from removal of fuel subsidy accruals and high taxation has jettisoned funding critical social and physical infrastructure, as well as the welfare of the greatest number of Nigerians.
“At the same time, the APC has devoted humongous money to campaign publicity and political patronage.”
The opposition party extended its criticism to state governments, alleging that several administrations had demonstrated poor commitment to budget implementation while allegedly making resources available for political campaigns.
“Most worrisome is that most state governments, especially those coerced into APC, have scant records of budget funding like their master, but have surplus for campaign propaganda,” Ikokwu alleged.
The NDC further questioned the Federal Government’s continued borrowing requests, demanding transparency over how public funds had been allocated and utilised in the 2024, 2025 and 2026 fiscal years.
It challenged the government to publish verifiable figures showing actual releases for capital projects and administrative subventions, alongside expenditure on political publicity and patronage.
Ikokwu also linked what the party described as poor governance, deteriorating infrastructure and inadequate funding of essential services to growing political tension ahead of the January 2027 general election.
She warned that alleged incidents of political intimidation and violence could discourage voter participation and undermine democratic competition and the credibility of the forthcoming elections.
“The NDC warns that no amount of propaganda, political patronage or intimidation can permanently conceal the consequences of poor governance,” she stated.
Projecting the party as an alternative, Ikokwu said a government led by its presidential ticket, Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, would prioritise accountability, effective public service delivery and productive investment.
“The Obi/Kwankwaso administration will be accountable; will fund public services and move the country from consumption to production,” she declared.
The NDC reiterated its demand for a comprehensive account of the Tinubu administration’s budget implementation, insisting that Nigerians deserve transparency over public expenditure and assurance that national resources are being deployed to address the country's most pressing development needs rather than partisan political interests.
