Politics
SERAP, 20 Others Sue Akpabio, Abbas, Against Increasing Own Budget
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and 20 concerned Nigerians have filed a lawsuit against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas “for unilaterally and arbitrarily increasing the allocation for lawmakers from N197bn to N344bn, their highest since the return of democracy in 1999.”
Biztellers reports that the action was brought against Akpabio and Abbas for themselves and on behalf of all members of the National Assembly.
According to Deputy Director, SERAP, Kolawole Oluwadare, the lawmakers had last month raised their allocation from N197bn proposed by President Bola Tinubu to N344bn.
That meant that the lawmakers would in total draw N514bn from the 2024 budget. The lawmakers also in 2023 arbitrarily increased their own budget from the originally proposed N169bn to N228bn, he noted.
In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/68/2024 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, the Plaintiffs are asking the court to determine “whether the lawmakers, in the exercise of their powers over appropriation/money bills, can unilaterally increase their own budget without the re-presentation of the budget by the Executive.”
The Plaintiffs are asking the court for “a declaration that the National Assembly, in the exercise of its powers over appropriation/money bills, cannot unilaterally increase its own budget without the re-presentation of the budget by the President in line with section 81 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended].”
The Plaintiffs are asking the court for “a declaration that the action of the National Assembly, unilaterally increasing its own budget from N197 billion to N344 billion, without the re-presentation of the budget by the President is a breach of the democratic principles of separation of powers and checks and balances.”
The Plaintiffs are seeking “an order of perpetual injunction restraining and preventing the National Assembly from unilaterally increasing its own budget, in the exercise of its powers over all appropriation/money bills, without the re-presentation of such appropriation/money bills by the President in line with the Nigerian Constitution.”
In the suit, the Plaintiffs are arguing that: “Allowing the National Assembly to continue to unilaterally and arbitrarily increase its own budget would fundamentally undermine the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution, public trust, and the rule of law.”
The Plaintiffs are also arguing that, “The arbitrary and self-serving increase by the lawmakers of their own allocation offends the Code of Conduct for Public Officers [Fifth Schedule Part 1] of the Nigerian Constitution, oath of office, and the democratic principles of separation of powers and checks and balances.”
According to the Plaintiffs, “Unless the reliefs sought are granted, the National Assembly will continue to breach the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and the rule of law, and at the expense of millions of Nigerians living in poverty.”
The suit filed on behalf of SERAP and 20 concerned Nigerians by their lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Andrew Nwankwo.
The petition read in part, “Members of the National Assembly are public officers who have sworn the constitutional oath of office to perform their respective duties in the interest of Nigerian citizens.
“The members of the National Assembly, by unilaterally and arbitrarily increasing their own budget in the Appropriation Bill 2024, without the re-presentation of the budget by the President has violated the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.
“Paragraph 1 of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers which provides that ‘a public officer shall not put himself in a position where his personal interest conflicts with his duties and responsibilities.’
“Members of the National Assembly have put their interest above the public interest and ‘well-being and prosperity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’, contrary to their oath of office.
“It is a necessary implication of the rule of law that, except where the law gives a discretion to a public functionary, he can only act in accordance with the law, as to do otherwise may enthrone arbitrariness.
“The increase and insertion of line items in the Appropriation Bill 2024 by the National Assembly is not commensurate with the constitutional commitments to public services and goods; decreasing public revenues and increasing level of public debts, and the poor economic and social realities in Nigeria.
“The President presented the Appropriation Bill 2024 made up of N27.5 trillion Naira to the National Assembly on 29 November 2023. The National Assembly on 30th December, 2023 passed the Appropriation Bill 2024 in the sum of N28.7 Trillion.
“That while exercising its legislative powers, the 1st and 2nd Defendants increased the Appropriation Bill by N1.2 Trillion, wherein the 1st and 2nd Defendants unilaterally increased allocations made to the National Assembly in the Appropriation Bill 2024 presented by the President from N197,932,625,616 Billion Naira to N344.85 Billion.
“The President signed the ₦28.7 Trillion Appropriation Bill 2024 into law on 1st January, 2024. The 2024 Budget is in deficit of ₦9.18 Trillion.
“The Budget/Appropriation Act 2024 is yet to be gazetted as at the time of filing this suit and public access to the gazetted 2024 Budget/Appropriation Act is restricted.
“The National Assembly after inserting new line items to the Appropriation Bill 2024 and altering the budgetary allocation to already inserted line items did not submit same to the President for re-presentation by the President before going ahead to present the Appropriation Bill to the President for assent.”
The SERAP and 20 concerned Nigerians are also asking the court for the following reliefs:
“A DECLARATION that the action of the National Assembly, unilaterally increasing the budget of the National Assembly from 197 billion Naira to 344 billion Naira, in the exercise of its powers over Appropriation Bill 2024, without the re-presentation of the budget by the President is a breach of section 81 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the Code of Conduct for Public Officers [Fifth Schedule Part 1] of the Nigerian Constitution, Oath of office [Seventh Schedule] and section 81 of the Nigerian Constitution.
“AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION OF THE HONOURABLE COURT restraining and preventing the National Assembly from unilaterally increasing the budget of the National Assembly, in the exercise of its powers over all appropriation/money bills, without the re-presentation of such appropriation/money bills by the President in compliance with section 81 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the democratic principles of separation of powers and checks and balances.”
And, “AN ORDER OF THE HONOURABLE COURT directing, compelling and mandating the National Assembly, in the exercise of its powers over all appropriation/money bills, to comply with section 81 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] by sending such appropriation/money bills to the President for re-presentation before the National Assembly in compliance with section 81 of the Nigerian Constitution and the democratic principles of separation of powers and checks and balances.”
The court is yet to fix a date for the hearing of the suit.
Politics
₦2.3tn Kaduna Rally Claim: APC Accuses Atiku, ADC of Fake News Plot
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of allegedly plotting to discredit the party’s presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna through the circulation of fake news, fabricated documents and manipulated videos.
The council alleged that the plan involved the use of artificial intelligence (AI), deepfake videos and counterfeit documents to mislead the public and damage the reputations of President Bola Tinubu, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and other APC leaders.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, October 24, 2026, the council’s spokesperson, Dele Alake, said the alleged disinformation campaign had been underway in the 24 hours preceding the rally.
ALSO READ: ‘Nigeria Is Doomed Under Tinubu’ — Kenneth Okonkwo Backs Atiku for 2027
Alake claimed that one of the alleged attempts involved the circulation of a photograph showing a security vehicle on routine patrol near an APC campaign billboard in Kaduna metropolis.
According to him, the photograph was misrepresented to suggest that security personnel had been deployed specifically to protect APC campaign billboards.
The council alleged that a national newspaper subsequently published a report based on the photograph, which Atiku then shared on his official social media accounts.
The statement described the sequence of events as a coordinated attempt to generate attention and undermine the APC campaign.
APC Rejects Alleged ₦2.3tn Kaduna Rally Expenditure
The APC council also raised concerns over a purported letter circulating online, allegedly written by Governor Uba Sani and addressed to the Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari.
The alleged letter claimed that the Kaduna State Government had released ₦2.3 trillion to host the APC rally.
Rejecting the claim, Alake questioned how a state government could spend such an amount on a political rally, arguing that the figure exceeded Kaduna State’s combined budgets for 2024, 2025 and 2026.
According to the statement, Kaduna State’s budgets stood at ₦458.271 billion in 2024, ₦790.439 billion in 2025 and ₦985.9 billion in 2026.
“The combined Kaduna State budgets for 2024 (₦458.271 billion), 2025 (₦790.439 billion), and 2026 (₦985.9 billion) are still less than ₦2.3 trillion,” the statement said.
Alake described the purported letter as fabricated and questioned the credibility of the allegation concerning the state’s expenditure on the rally.
APC Warns of Alleged Deepfake Videos
The council further alleged that the photograph and purported letter were only part of a broader plan to discredit the campaign.
It claimed that old, doctored and deepfake videos would be circulated as the rally progressed to create the impression that residents were dissatisfied with the APC and its leaders.
The council said the alleged tactics were intended to manipulate public opinion through mainstream media and social media platforms.
“We hereby use this opportunity to alert the general public about this malicious and ignoble plan,” Alake said.
He urged Nigerians to exercise caution when encountering information about the rally, particularly photographs, official-looking documents and videos circulating online.
APC Criticises Atiku, ADC
The APC Presidential Campaign Council also criticised Atiku and the ADC, alleging that they were prepared to employ various tactics in their efforts to gain political power.
In the statement, the council described the ADC as Atiku’s “special-purpose vehicle” and questioned the opposition’s approach to the political contest.
It further alleged that the former vice president and his political associates would resort to what it described as desperate measures to undermine the ruling party.
The council concluded by urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and reject what it characterised as a coordinated disinformation campaign.
“We urge Nigerians to be vigilant and reject their machinations,” Alake said.
Politics
‘Show Nigerians Where the Money Is’ — ADC Challenges Tinubu Over ₦10bn Ebola Fund
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has challenged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to account for the ₦10 billion reportedly earmarked for Ebola emergency preparedness, demanding explanations over claims that the funds remain untouched despite a confirmed Ebola case in Abuja.
The party also questioned the government’s response to the reported case, calling for the publication of financial records and a detailed timeline of the emergency response.
In a press statement issued on Friday, October 23, 2026, Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) for focusing on defending Tinubu against criticism by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar rather than addressing questions about the emergency fund.
ALSO READ: Why Ebola Outbreaks Keep Returning to Africa, Dr Jean Kaseya Explains
The statement recalled that the Presidency announced on June 9 that Tinubu had ordered the immediate release of ₦10 billion for Ebola emergency preparedness.
However, the ADC said the APC had subsequently described the fund as “untouched”, raising questions about whether the money was released and why it had not been utilised.
“Was the money released or was it not? If it was released, where is it held, who controls it, and why has it not been used for the preparedness President Tinubu announced?” the statement asked.
The party called on the government to publish the release documents, account records and expenditure reports of the task force responsible for the emergency response.
It maintained that the administration should provide documentary evidence to clarify the status of the funds.
ADC Questions Ebola Response Timeline
The ADC also questioned the timeline of the government’s response to the reported Ebola case, seeking clarification on when the disease was first suspected and when public health authorities were alerted.
Citing the World Health Organization’s account, the statement said the patient developed symptoms on October 7, sought treatment at a private health facility on October 11, and received laboratory confirmation on October 20.
Shaibu asked the government to explain when Ebola was first suspected, when testing was ordered, when public health authorities were notified and when contact tracing began.
The party also challenged the APC’s claim that surveillance systems alerted the government to the case, demanding details of the agency responsible and the actions taken following the alert.
“The APC claims surveillance ‘tipped off’ the government. Then publish the timeline. Name the agency that raised the alert, give the date and explain the action taken,” the statement said.
The ADC further noted that the 44 identified contacts mentioned in the response required adequate health protection and monitoring.
Party Calls for Protection of Health Workers
The opposition party emphasised the need to provide health workers involved in treating the patient and tracing contacts with adequate protective equipment and resources.
It said demands for accountability over the government’s preparedness should not be interpreted as criticism of the health workers carrying out their duties.
“Health workers treating the patient and tracing contacts deserve protection, equipment and every resource needed to act quickly,” the statement said.
The party also urged the Tinubu administration to ensure that public health measures were not used to interfere with political campaigns or voting.
It called for the publication of any proposed restrictions, their medical justification and the advice of relevant health authorities.
According to the ADC, public health guidelines should prioritise the protection of citizens and should not become political instruments.
ADC Demands Accountability Over ₦10bn Fund
The ADC maintained that the government and the APC owed Nigerians an explanation over the apparent contradiction between the Presidency’s June announcement and the subsequent claim that the funds remained untouched.
It urged the administration to provide records showing whether the money was released, where it was held and how it had been managed.
“President Tinubu ordered ₦10 billion released in June. His party now says it is untouched. That contradiction came from the Presidency and the APC. They should resolve it with records,” the statement said.
The party concluded by demanding transparency over the emergency fund, a clear account of the government’s response timeline and adequate protection for health workers and identified contacts.
“Show Nigerians where the money is. Explain the response timeline. Protect health workers. Trace every contact,” Shaibu said.
Politics
Peter Obi Meets UK Officials, Diaspora Stakeholders on Rebuilding Nigeria
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called for collective efforts to rebuild Nigeria, tackle corruption and end bad leadership, saying the country must work for everyone rather than a privileged few.
Obi made the call on in a statement titled “Rebuilding Nigeria” following his arrival in London from Basel, Switzerland, at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
He disclosed that his busy schedule included several engagements and meetings with stakeholders in the United Kingdom, including British government officials and members of the Nigerian diaspora.
SEE ALSO: Peter Obi Slams Tinubu Over ₦7.7tn Debt Interest Against ₦6.2tn Revenue
According to him, he rounded off the day with an evening meeting organised by the COPDEM Chief and the NDC Director of Diaspora Affairs, which brought together other stakeholders in London.
Obi said the discussions centred on the collective responsibility of Nigerians to free the country from bad leadership, corruption and a lack of accountability, which he identified as challenges undermining national development.
He noted that these challenges had deprived millions of Nigerians of access to basic necessities, including quality healthcare, education and decent employment.
The former Anambra State governor stressed that Nigerians deserved a country where every life mattered, hard work was rewarded and citizens had a fair opportunity to succeed regardless of their backgrounds or connections.
“We must build a Nigeria where the child of nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody. A country that works for everyone, not just a privileged few,” he said.
Obi expressed optimism about the country’s future, declaring that “A New Nigeria is POssible.”





