‘Tinubu Has Never Implemented Any Budget’ — Senator Maidoki

The Senator representing Kebbi South Senatorial District, Garba Musa Maidoki, has criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu over what he described as poor budget implementation and worsening economic conditions in the country.

Maidoki made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing journalists shortly after formally announcing his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

 LEADERSHIP reports that his defection letter was read on the floor of the Senate during plenary, where he cited unresolved internal disputes within the APC and growing dissatisfaction with the party’s leadership as reasons for leaving the ruling party.

Speaking with journalists afterwards, the Senator questioned the Federal Government’s fiscal policies, alleging that annual budgets approved over the past three years had not been properly implemented.

“Three years into Tinubu’s government, 2024, 2025 and now 2026, the budgets have not been implemented. He has never implemented a budget. How does a country run without a budget?” Maidoki asked.

The lawmaker also raised concerns over Nigeria’s growing debt profile, demanding greater accountability in the management of borrowed funds and government revenues.

“We have borrowed and borrowed and borrowed. Where is the money we are borrowing? All the revenue-generating agencies in this country told us they have exceeded their targets. Where is the money going?” he queried.

Maidoki warned that the economic hardship being experienced by many Nigerians could have serious implications for the country’s democratic stability if left unaddressed.

“We are happy that democracy has not been truncated, but we are afraid that if things continue this way, it will not be the military that truncates democracy; it will be ordinary people on the streets,” he said.

The Senator’s defection has added to the growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election, with opposition parties seeking to attract dissatisfied members of the ruling APC.

Maidoki maintained that his decision to leave the APC was informed by concerns over the party’s internal affairs and his desire to continue his political career under a platform he believes offers greater democratic participation.