The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and major opposition parties have clashed over the N27 billion allocated in the 2025 federal budget for the entitlements of former presidents, vice presidents, military heads of state, and other retired officials. The allocation includes N27 billion for former leaders like Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari, and others, sparking a debate on the appropriate use of public funds.
Opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party, have criticized the allocation, questioning its transparency and the necessity of such a large sum for individuals already financially stable. PDP's Timothy Osadolor called for the funds to be redirected to social causes such as food banks and healthcare, while Labour's Kennedy Ahanotu emphasized that such provisions should not come at the expense of the suffering masses.
Critics, including the National Secretary of the Coalition for United Political Parties, Peter Ahmeh, argue that the allocation of such funds to a select few former leaders, while millions of Nigerians suffer, is unfair. They suggested that the money could be better spent on healthcare, agriculture, or other pressing national issues. The Social Democratic Party's Shehu Gabam also called for clarity on the purpose of the allocation, stating that the presidency owes Nigerians an explanation.
In response, the APC defended the budget, stating that taking care of past leaders is a privilege. Deputy National Organizing Secretary Nze Chidi Duru urged that the allocation be understood as part of maintaining the dignity of the country’s past leaders while ensuring that it remains reasonable. He called for further scrutiny of the details within the National Assembly to ensure the appropriateness of the provisions.
