By Kingston Magare 5.10.2026
African Democratic Congress presidential campaign for the 2027 election Atiku Abubakar has lifted the lid on a N11.2 trillion payment made by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company to the Federal government, which is now allegedly being used for his campaign.
According to the former Vice President of Nigeria, Tinubu’s administration must give a full account of the N11.2 trillion the NNPC recorded as a debt owed it by the Federal government, which was explained as funds channeled to protecting Nigeria’s oil and gas assets.
“Nigerians deserve to know how much of this enormous claim went to guarding pipelines, who received the money and what protection it bought,” said Atiku in a press statement signed by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.
“NNPC’s 2024 accounts recorded roughly ₦17.5 trillion across different claims on the Federation, including petrol under-recovery and other receivables linked to advances and asset protection. Its 2025 accounts now show approximately ₦11.2 trillion in other receivables from the Federation. Nigerians cannot tell from these totals what was spent on pipeline surveillance. What was paid? Who was paid? For what work? Where are the results?”
Atiku said the need for answers extends beyond NNPC’s accounts to the relationship between government contractors and Tinubu’s re-election effort.
“Look at the company Tinubu keeps. Tantita holds a pipeline security contract while its founder sends campaign vehicles out to seek another term for the president. The Chagourys’ company holds the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway contract, awarded without an open public tender. Tinubu’s government says it used restricted bidding.
“Tinubu must disclose what these contractors have received from the government and whether they have given a naira, a vehicle or any other support to his re-election. Nigerians will not tighten their belts while the president’s associates collect contracts and the money behind his campaign remains hidden.”
Atiku said a government asking hungry families to make sacrifices must be willing to account for every naira it claims on the public purse.
“The roads are bad. The economy is bad. There is no light. There is no safety. Families are hungry. Yet Tinubu calls this progress. Nigerians are struggling to buy food, praying for electricity and afraid to travel.
“Nigerians have had enough of hardship dressed up as reform. Tinubu made life expensive. I will make Nigeria affordable again. Let this be the last year he asks Nigerians to suffer and applaud. In 2027, we will bring this chapter to an end.”
Atiku and Tinubu...