Pressure Mounts on Tinubu to Remove Akpabio as Senate President Amid Budget Padding Scandal – Sources

Northern governors and other key stakeholders are intensifying pressure on President Bola Tinubu to oust Senate President Godswill Akpabio or face severe political repercussions, according to sources familiar with the matter. The suspension of Senator Ningi further escalates tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape, exerting unexpected strain on President Tinubu.

According to Sahara Reporters, insiders within the National Assembly revealed that the uproar surrounding the budget padding controversy has surpassed Akpabio’s initial expectations. “The suspension of Senator Ningi is igniting political tensions in Nigeria beyond Akpabio’s anticipation. The pressure is mounting on President Tinubu,”

Senator Ningi, representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, recently alleged a staggering ₦3.7 trillion budget padding scheme. He accused the Senate leadership of implementing a budget different from the one passed by the National Assembly, sparking widespread public outcry and condemnation.

In response, the Presidency, through Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, refuted Ningi’s claims, stating that President Tinubu presented a budget of N27.5 trillion, not N25 trillion as alleged. Meanwhile, Senator Agom Jarigbe revealed on the Senate floor that senior senators received N500 million each from the budget, further fueling public outrage.

Following a tumultuous session, the Senate suspended Senator Ningi for three months. President Tinubu subsequently held closed-door discussions with Senate President Akpabio and other lawmakers at the State House. Additionally, civil society group SERAP vowed legal action against the Senate over Ningi’s suspension.

Amid mounting pressure, sources indicate that the North is demanding President Tinubu to redirect part of the contested N3.7 trillion to projects benefiting the region. Tinubu allegedly issued an ultimatum for Akpabio to reinstate Senator Ningi, further escalating tensions within the Senate.

In a strategic move, Akpabio and his group of senators are reportedly scheduled to meet with senior editors in Lagos to garner favorable media coverage. Meanwhile, revelations of a N2.5 billion allocation for Akpabio’s constituency projects, including purchases of deep freezers, generators, and other items, have sparked further controversy and criticism.