Sen Ningi In Trouble For Exposing N3.7Trn Budget Padding, May Face Arrest, Suspension

The All Progressive Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, and several other political entities have united in demanding a thorough investigation into the claims made by Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) regarding alleged padding amounting to N3.7tn in the 2024 budget.

In response to these demands, certain northern senators distanced themselves from Ningi’s assertions, stating that he did not represent their views.

Despite opposition, Senator Ningi reaffirmed his stance on Monday, asserting that N3.7tn remained unaccounted for in the 2024 budget.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim went a step further, calling for Ningi’s arrest, citing concerns about potential disruption of peace in the National Assembly.

During a press briefing on Monday, Ningi clarified his position, emphasizing that he never stated that President Bola Tinubu was implementing two budgets, but rather highlighted the unexplained N3.7tn within the 2024 budget.

He stated, “At no time did I say Bola Ahmed Tinubu is implementing two budgets… We have established the N3tn of that budget; we have not established its location and the place.”

Ningi reiterated that budget appropriation powers reside with the National Assembly, not the President, and expressed readiness to face any consequences for his statements, including suspension from the Senate. He emphasized, “I stand by what I said: N3.7tn is not traced to any project in the 2024 budget.”