Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has launched a fresh attack on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, alleging that the controversy surrounding the 2026 Federal Budget has further entrenched what he described as a government “synonymous with fraud and corruption.”
In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, Frank said allegations of inflated budgetary provisions, fictitious projects and questionable expenditures had reinforced public concerns over transparency, accountability and the management of public resources under the current administration.
He argued that the recurring controversies over government spending had continued to erode public confidence in the administration, insisting that Nigerians were increasingly losing faith in the integrity of those entrusted with public office.
According to him, rather than strengthening accountability and ensuring that public officials implicated in corruption face justice, the administration had allegedly created an atmosphere in which corrupt practices thrive.
Frank said: “The recent revelations and controversy surrounding the 2026 Federal Budget have further reinforced the widespread perception that this administration represents one of the most troubling governments in Nigeria’s recent history.”
He added: “Allegations of inflated budgetary allocations, fictitious projects and questionable expenditures have once again raised serious concerns about transparency, accountability and the stewardship of public resources.”
The political activist alleged that the Tinubu administration had become identified with repeated claims of financial misconduct and poor governance.
“These developments appear to reinforce a pattern in which your administration has become associated with allegations of financial misconduct and questionable governance.
“The recurring controversies surrounding government expenditures have continued to erode public confidence in your leadership and in the integrity of those serving within your administration,” he said.
Frank further accused the administration of failing to enforce accountability by allegedly shielding public officials accused of corruption.
“Rather than strengthening oversight and punishing wrongdoing, your administration is perceived as shielding individuals accused of corruption, thereby creating an environment where public officials believe they can misuse public funds without consequence,” he stated.
Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, also criticised the 10th National Assembly, accusing it of abandoning its constitutional responsibility of providing effective oversight of the Executive.
He specifically faulted the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, claiming the legislature had failed to act as an independent arm of government.
“Rather than serving as an independent institution responsible for holding the Executive accountable, the National Assembly is widely viewed as having abandoned its constitutional responsibility by acting in a manner that appears overly accommodating to the Executive. Such perceptions weaken democratic institutions and undermine the principles upon which constitutional governance is founded,” Frank said.
He urged the international community to exercise caution in extending further loans, grants or development assistance to Nigeria, alleging that there were growing concerns about the management of public funds.
Frank also welcomed ongoing discussions in the United States Congress on reviewing assistance to Nigeria, calling on development partners to subject any future financial support to stricter transparency, accountability and monitoring mechanisms.
“I welcome recent discussions within the United States Congress regarding a review of assistance to Nigeria and urge other international partners to ensure that any future financial support is accompanied by strict transparency, accountability and monitoring measures that guarantee the resources directly benefit the Nigerian people,” he said.
In one of the most forceful parts of his statement, Frank drew a controversial comparison between internet fraudsters and the current administration.
“The distinction between internet fraudsters, commonly referred to as ‘Yahoo Boys,’ and this administration, as perceived by many Nigerians, is that while the former target foreign victims through online scams, this government stands accused by its critics of failing to protect the Nigerian people’s commonwealth through responsible governance and prudent management of public resources,” he alleged.
He, however, urged Nigerians to remain peaceful while demanding accountability from those in government.
“The future of our nation depends on citizens demanding accountability, defending democratic institutions and exercising their constitutional right to vote for leaders they believe will restore integrity, competence and genuine public service to government,” Frank said.
Signed:
Comrade Timi Frank
ULMWP Ambassador (East Africa and Middle East) and
Senior Advisor, Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA.
