Nigeria: Atiku to Tinubu - You Must Open NNPDl Books, Tell Us Who's Financing Your Campaign

What the report says

Former Nigerian Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to make public the books of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), focusing on large sums recorded as amounts owed by the Federation. In remarks relayed through a statement by Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said Nigerians deserve a clear explanation of the claimed oil-sector costs, including spending tied to protecting pipelines and other petroleum assets.

According to the Daily Trust report distributed by AllAfrica, Atiku pointed to figures in NNPCL’s accounts that he said raise questions about what the money covered, who received it, and what results were achieved. He contrasted those claims with the federal defence budget and argued that the imbalance shows misplaced priorities at a time when insecurity and economic hardship remain major concerns across Nigeria.

Atiku also broadened his criticism to the award of public contracts and the funding of Tinubu’s re-election effort. He questioned links between government contractors and the ruling administration, saying the public should see bidding and contract documents where open tendering was not used. The comments come amid continued debate over transparency, procurement practices and how Nigeria allocates public resources, especially in the oil sector and security spending.