The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been accused of displaying ignorance of public budgeting and accounting procedures following its criticism of the Federal Government’s decision to roll over a significant portion of the 2025 capital budget.
The The Democratic Front (TDF) made the claim in a statement signed by its Chairman, Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Wale Adedayo, expressed surprise at the position taken by leaders of the opposition party despite what it described as their experience in public administration.
The group specifically faulted the ADC’s description of the rollover of 70 per cent of the 2025 capital budget into the 2026 fiscal plan as “fiscal confusion.”
According to TDF, the decision by Bola Ahmed Tinubu to carry over a large portion of the capital budget had been widely understood and commended by economic experts and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as a move aimed at eliminating abandoned projects and promoting continuity in government spending.
The group said it was particularly disappointed that the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, did not appreciate the impact abandoned projects have had on infrastructure development and economic growth in the country, especially given his experience as a former cabinet member.
TDF said the Tinubu administration deserved commendation for prioritising the completion of ongoing and previously abandoned projects, noting that such projects had historically encouraged corruption and waste of public funds under successive governments.
It further argued that fluctuations in government revenue, shortfalls in crude oil production and challenges associated with meeting global oil price benchmarks could necessitate adjustments such as capital budget rollovers.
The group also urged opposition parties to demonstrate a deeper understanding of governance issues before making public criticisms.
According to TDF, constant criticism without proper knowledge of the issues involved portrays opposition political camps negatively and suggests a desperation for power without sufficient grasp of governance.
TDF maintained that the implementation of the national budget under President Tinubu was not a cause for concern as claimed by the ADC, insisting that the rollover of the 2025 capital expenditure would support the completion of ongoing projects and strengthen fiscal discipline in budget planning and execution.
The group added that the ADC should instead focus on rebuilding its image ahead of the 2027 general elections.
