Group faults ADC’s criticism of 2025 capital budget rollover

Political advocacy group, The Democratic Front (TDF) has criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over its comments on the rollover of 70 per cent of the 2025 capital budget into the 2026 fiscal year, describing the party’s position as a display of ignorance of public budgeting and accounting procedures.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its chairman, Mallam Danjuma Muhammad, and secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo, the group expressed surprise that leaders of the opposition party, many of whom have experience in public administration, could describe the budget rollover as “fiscal confusion”.

The group said the decision by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to roll over a significant portion of the capital budget had been widely understood and commended by economic experts and government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

According to TDF, the move is aimed at addressing the long-standing problem of abandoned projects while ensuring continuity in federal government spending.

The statement added that the completion of ongoing projects would help curb waste and discourage corrupt practices that have historically led to the abandonment of infrastructure projects across the country.

“We note that the rollover of 70 per cent of the 2025 capital budget by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into the 2026 budget was clearly understood and well commended by both economic experts and MDAs of government as a significant move that will eliminate abandoned projects in the country and also promote continuity in federal government spending,” the group said.

TDF also argued that factors such as fluctuations in government revenue, shortfalls in crude oil production and challenges in meeting global oil price benchmarks could make such adjustments necessary in budget implementation.

The group urged opposition leaders to demonstrate a better understanding of governance issues before criticising government policies, adding that the president’s decision would help ensure the completion of projects and promote fiscal discipline in budget planning and execution.