By Precious Mark
The Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has described a recent assessment by the United States Department of State as a validation of his long-standing position regarding the lack of fiscal transparency under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking through his media office on Thursday, Atiku stated that the findings expose severe gaps in the federal government’s financial accountability and disclosure mechanisms.
Atiku noted that according to the US Department of State report, the federal government failed to release its executive budget proposal within a reasonable period, despite publishing its enacted budget and end-of-year figures.
The former vice president highlighted that the report found key budget documents lacking a complete picture of government revenues and expenditures, while failing to break down executive office spending.
Atiku further observed that the US report pointed out discrepancies where actual revenues and expenditures did not correspond to enacted budget figures, alongside findings that the Office of the Auditor-General failed to meet international standards of independence or publish substantive oversight reports.
Reaffirming his position on national financial management, Atiku stressed that accountability remains fundamental to democratic leadership and economic development.
“Transparency is not a slogan. It is the foundation of good governance,” Atiku said.
He emphasized that citizens have an absolute right to full disclosure regarding how public funds are generated and spent across all sectors.
“This report confirms what we have been saying that Nigerians deserve to know where every kobo is coming from and where it is being spent. They are our resources and not the resources of President Bola Tinubu and his family and friends,” Atiku stated.
The former vice president added that fiscal transparency remains a critical benchmark for foreign investors, donor agencies, and credit rating firms, warning that publishing detailed data on oil revenues, borrowing, and tax receipts is vital to restoring public trust amid rising debt and inflation.