Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governors of allegedly diverting public funds to finance party primaries and preparations for the 2027 general election.
Atiku alleged that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was working with APC governors to channel public resources into accounts allegedly designated for the president’s 2027 re-election bid.
In a statement issued through his media aide on Tuesday, Paul Ibe, the former vice president claimed that resources meant for governance and citizens’ welfare were being redirected for political mobilisation, worsening economic hardship, insecurity, and poverty across the country.
According to Atiku, internal disagreements within the APC governors’ forum were reportedly linked to disputes over the management of the alleged funds.
“The Tinubu-led APC administration is in cahoots with APC governors to divert your resources to dedicated accounts for Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign,” Atiku stated, warning Nigerians against rewarding the ruling party with another term despite current economic difficulties.
Reacting to the allegations, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) described the alleged diversion of Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds as “shameless, cruel, and criminal,” especially amid worsening hardship faced by millions of Nigerians.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said allegations that over N800 billion may have been raised through deductions from FAAC allocations for political purposes reinforced concerns that public funds were allegedly being used to fund 2027 political ambitions.
The ADC argued that despite increased state allocations following fuel subsidy removal and currency reforms, many Nigerians remained poorer, while roads, hospitals, schools, and public infrastructure continued to deteriorate.
The party called for an independent investigation into the claims, insisting Nigerians deserved to know whether resources belonging to states and local governments were diverted for partisan politics.
Meanwhile, ActionAid Nigeria called for the immediate impeachment of any governor found guilty of diverting public funds for political campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking through its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, the organisation described the allegations as disturbing, particularly at a time when millions of Nigerians were struggling with inflation, insecurity, unemployment, and rising living costs.
Mamedu said governors were elected to serve citizens, not convert state resources into “political war chests,” warning that any misuse of public funds would amount to a serious betrayal of public trust.
Although reports recently surfaced alleging financial disputes within the APC Governors’ Forum over FAAC funds and political spending ahead of 2027, the forum denied claims of any internal crisis. No anti-corruption agency has officially announced an investigation into the allegations.
In a separate statement, Atiku also condemned the death of former House of Representatives member, Abba Adamu, who reportedly died in captivity after being abducted by bandits along the Kaduna-Abuja highway.
The former vice president described the incident as evidence of worsening insecurity under the Tinubu administration, accusing the government of failing in its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property.
He questioned the government’s security strategy, arguing that citizens were increasingly unsafe on highways, in communities, and even in their homes.
