Atiku Demands Probe into Controversial N6.44bn World Cup Budget Allocation

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called for an independent investigation into the N6.44 billion budgetary allocation for a “Special Presidential Support Group for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.”

He described the allocation as fiscally irresponsible, noting that Nigeria had already been eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in November 2025, weeks before the 2026 Appropriation Bill was presented to the National Assembly.

Through his spokesman, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku questioned why public funds were budgeted for a competition the country was no longer participating in.

The former vice president demanded that those responsible for inserting and approving the budget line be identified and held accountable. He argued that the controversy raises serious concerns about the credibility of Nigeria's budgeting process, warning that such allocations reinforce public perceptions that the national budget has become a vehicle for wasteful and questionable expenditures.

According to Atiku, Nigerians deserve clear answers on the purpose of the allocation and who stood to benefit from it. Atiku also linked the controversy to the ongoing allegations surrounding the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), calling for a separate independent probe into the body's activities and its alleged recognition by government institutions.

He maintained that the issue goes beyond allegations of impersonation and raises questions about how official legitimacy was allegedly conferred on the organisation. He insisted that a transparent investigation into both matters is necessary to restore public confidence in government spending and institutional accountability.