Atiku demands Tinubu sign audit bill or resign over N8.8tn controversy
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has given President Tinubu Friday ultimatum to sign the Federal Audit Service Bill or resign, citing constitutional violation over the delayed assent. Speaking through spokesperson Phrank Shaibu, Atiku noted the President has exceeded the mandatory 30-day constitutional review period stipulated in Section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The bill aims to modernize Nigeria's audit architecture and strengthen the Auditor-General's independence. Atiku tied the delay to broader governance concerns, referencing the International Monetary Fund's revelation of N8.8 trillion in unaccounted expenditure and ongoing PFIPC scandal investigations.
He warned that weak institutional safeguards and constitutional indifference enable major financial scandals. The statement comes amid political pressure ahead of 2027 elections, positioning accountability as central campaign issue.
Does this constitutional standoff over the audit bill reflect genuine institutional reform needs or political posturing? What concrete steps should citizens demand to ensure transparent public finance management?