The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized the 2026 budget presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a “budget of consolidated renewed sufferings” for Nigerians. The opposition party argues that the budget, themed “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” does not address the economic hardships faced by ordinary citizens.
According to the PDP, despite the government’s claims of stabilizing the economy, Nigerians continue to face rising poverty and hardship. The party cites the 2025 World Bank Poverty & Equity Brief, which states that over 30.9% of Nigerians live below the international extreme poverty line. The PDP also questions the economic growth figure of 3.98% highlighted by President Tinubu, arguing that it has not translated into improved living standards for Nigerians.
The party notes that while the President celebrates the growth rate, many Nigerians are struggling with hunger, high cost of living, and other economic hardships. In contrast, the PDP points out that the country recorded a 6.87% growth rate in 2013 under the previous administration, driven largely by non-oil sectors such as agriculture and trade.
The PDP has also expressed concerns over the security allocations in the 2026 budget, stating that while the funds are welcome, effective and transparent execution is necessary to ensure that the funding translates into modern equipment, adequate ammunition, improved intelligence, and better welfare for security personnel.
Furthermore, the party has raised concerns over the delayed execution of the 2024 capital budget, which has been extended into December 2025, while the 2025 budget is still in force. The PDP argues that operating multiple budgets at the same time undermines fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability.
The opposition party is calling for greater transparency and accountability in government finances, stating that these are critical for public trust and effective governance under the Tinubu administration. The PDP’s criticism of the 2026 budget highlights the need for the government to address the economic challenges faced by Nigerians and to ensure that budget allocations are executed effectively and transparently.
