PDP Slams Tinubu’s 2026 Budget Amid Rising Poverty

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the 2026 budget presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling it a “budget of consolidated renewed sufferings” for Nigerians. Although the budget is themed “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” the opposition argues that it fails to address the economic hardships endured by ordinary citizens. Despite the government’s claims of stabilising the economy, the PDP points to rising poverty and hardship, citing the 2025 World Bank Poverty & Equity Brief, which shows that over 30.9 % of Nigerians live below the international extreme‑poverty line.

The party also questions the 3.98 % growth figure highlighted by President Tinubu, noting that it has not translated into improved living standards. While the President celebrates this growth rate, many Nigerians continue to struggle with hunger, a high cost of living, and other economic difficulties. By contrast, the PDP notes 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.

In addition, the PDP has expressed concerns about the security allocations in the 2026 budget. Although the funds are welcomed, the party stresses that effective and transparent execution is essential to ensure that the money results in modern equipment, adequate ammunition, improved intelligence, and better welfare for security personnel. The party also highlighted the delayed execution of the 2024 capital budget, now extended into December 2025 while the 2025 budget remains in force. Operating multiple budgets simultaneously, the PDP argues, undermines fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability.

Overall, the PDP is calling for greater transparency and accountability in government finances, emphasizing that these are critical for public trust and effective governance under the Tinubu administration. Its criticism of the 2026 budget underscores the need for the government to address Nigeria’s economic challenges and to ensure that budget allocations are executed efficiently and openly.