APC Rejects Atiku’s Claim on Service-Wide Vote

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s allegation regarding the Service-Wide Vote in the 2026 budget, describing the claim as misleading and without factual basis.

In a press statement issued in Abuja on July 22, 2026, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka said the Service-Wide Vote is a recognised budgetary mechanism used to cater for government-wide obligations and unforeseen expenditures that may arise after the annual budget has been passed.

Morka explained that the Service-Wide Vote is not a secret fund or an illegal slush account, contrary to Atiku’s allegation that it was set aside to fund President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 reelection campaign.

According to the APC spokesperson, Atiku failed to provide evidence to support his claim about the Service-Wide Vote, adding that similar contingency arrangements exist in major economies and democracies around the world.

The APC further accused the former Vice President of attempting to mislead Nigerians and distract attention from the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration.

Morka cited several government programmes as evidence of fiscal responsibility, including 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, and increased investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture.

He said the APC administration remains committed to implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda, rebuilding the economy, deepening institutional reforms, expanding public infrastructure, and improving living conditions for Nigerians.

“The Service-Wide Vote is a legitimate and transparent instrument of public finance, and Nigerians should not be misled by baseless allegations,” Morka stated.