APC rejects Atiku’s Slservice-wide vote claim, defends Tinubu govt

By Jude Opara

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed allegations by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, that the 2026 Service-Wide Vote (SWV) was earmarked to finance President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the ruling party described Atiku’s allegation as unfounded, insisting that it reflects either a deliberate attempt to mislead Nigerians or a misunderstanding of public finance.
According to the APC, Atiku failed to present evidence to support his claim, accusing the former vice president of making sensational allegations to divert attention from what it described as the Tinubu administration’s achievements.
The party explained that the Service-Wide Vote is a long-established budgetary provision used to meet government-wide obligations and unforeseen expenditures that may arise after the passage of the national budget.
Morka said similar contingency funding mechanisms exist in many democracies and argued that the SWV should not be misconstrued as a secret fund or an illegal account for political purposes.
The APC also took a swipe at Atiku, accusing him of repeatedly peddling what it termed false narratives instead of presenting a clear alternative vision for the country.
Highlighting the administration’s record, the party cited initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the implementation of the new national minimum wage, the Consumer Credit Scheme, the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative, tax reforms, and increased investments in infrastructure, healthcare and agriculture as evidence of prudent management of public resources.
The ruling party maintained that President Tinubu remains focused on implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda and improving the country’s economic and social conditions, rather than being distracted by what it described as politically motivated allegations from the opposition.