Nigeria’s N27bn Budget for Ex-Leaders Sparks Fierce Political Debate
The Federal Government’s decision to allocate ₦27 billion for the entitlements of former presidents, vice presidents, and other top officials in the 2025 fiscal year has ignited a heated debate, with opposition parties accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of being out of touch with the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
The beneficiaries of this substantial allocation include former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari, as well as ex-vice-presidents Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo, and Yemi Osinbajo. Retired military leaders such as General Yakubu Gowon and General Ibrahim Babangida are also set to receive payments.
The allocation is part of the ₦26.94 trillion budget proposal, titled “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity,” which President Bola Tinubu presented to the National Assembly. While the APC has defended the move as necessary to honour Nigeria’s past leaders, critics argue that the funds could be better spent addressing the country’s growing economic and social crises.
Opposition Condemns Extravagance Amid Public Suffering
Timothy Osadolor, Deputy National Youth Leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), criticised the budget as “insensitive” and called for the funds to be redirected toward social welfare programmes.
“In a country where millions are struggling to afford basic necessities, it is outrageous to allocate such a sum to former leaders who are already billionaires,” he said. “These funds should go toward food banks or healthcare facilities to prevent more tragedies like the recent stampedes for palliatives.”
Kennedy Ahanotu, National Youth Leader of the Labour Party, echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the importance of caring for past leaders but warning that it must not come “at the detriment of the taxpayers and the already suffering populace.”
Calls for Transparency and Redirection of Funds
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) described the allocation as a sign of a government disconnected from the realities facing ordinary Nigerians. “This budget shows a lack of empathy for the plight of the people,” said Ladipo Johnson, the NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary.
The Coalition for United Political Parties (CUPP) joined the chorus of criticism, with National Secretary Peter Ahmeh calling the allocation “unfair” and suggesting that the funds be redirected to sectors like agriculture and healthcare.
“When leaders voluntarily choose to serve, they are already compensated during their tenure,” Ahmeh said. “Continuing to lavish billions on a small group while the masses suffer is unjustifiable.”
APC Defends the Allocation as a Tradition
In contrast, the APC urged Nigerians to view the allocation in context, asserting that taking care of past leaders is a matter of national pride and stability.
“Elevating the standards of our leaders is something I would personally encourage,” said Nze Chidi Duru, the party’s Deputy National Organising Secretary. “However, the provisions should reflect the reality of the times and undergo rigorous scrutiny to ensure they are not excessive.”
A Test of Priorities
The debate over the ₦27 billion allocation has laid bare deeper tensions over governance priorities in a nation grappling with economic hardship, spiralling inflation, and increasing social unrest. With millions living in poverty and public services underfunded, the opposition argues that the budget is emblematic of a ruling elite detached from the struggles of the average Nigerian.
As the budget moves to the National Assembly for debate, the APC’s promise of restoration will face a critical test: whether it can balance the honouring of past leaders with addressing the urgent needs of the present.
