2026 Budget: PDP Knocks Tinubu, Describes Proposal as ‘Budget of Consolidated Renewed Sufferings

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2026 budget, describing it as a “budget of consolidated renewed sufferings” for Nigerians.

The opposition party said the budget, presented to the National Assembly under the theme “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” does not reflect the harsh economic realities facing ordinary citizens.

In a statement signed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party noted that despite claims by the Federal Government that the economy is stabilising, Nigerians continue to grapple with worsening poverty and hardship.

According to the party, more than 30.9 per cent of Nigerians are living below the international extreme poverty line, citing the 2025 World Bank Poverty and Equity Brief.

The PDP also questioned the 3.98 per cent economic growth rate highlighted by President Tinubu, arguing that it has not translated into improved living standards for the populace.

“While the President celebrates a 3.98 per cent growth rate, the reality for Nigerians is excruciating hunger, a high cost of living, and other indices of economic hardship,” the statement said.

The party contrasted the figure with the 6.87 per cent growth recorded in 2013 under a previous administration, noting that the earlier growth was largely driven by non-oil sectors such as agriculture and trade.

On security allocations in the 2026 budget, the PDP welcomed the funds but stressed that allocation alone is not enough to address the country’s security challenges.

“We demand effective and transparent execution to ensure that security funding translates into modern equipment, adequate ammunition, improved intelligence, and better welfare for security personnel,” the party said.

The PDP further raised concerns over the delayed execution of the 2024 capital budget, which was extended into December 2025 while the 2025 budget is still being implemented.

It warned that the operation of multiple budgets simultaneously undermines fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability.

The opposition party called for greater openness and accountability in the management of public finances, insisting that these remain critical to restoring public trust and ensuring effective governance under the Tinubu administration.