Senator Garba Musa Maidoki from Kebbi South has publicly questioned how Nigeria is being run after three years of the President Bola Tinubu, saying that none of the budgets passed during the administration’s first three years has been fully implemented.
Maidoki made the remarks while speaking with reporters shortly after his defection from the All Progressives Congress to the African Democratic Congress was announced on the floor of the Senate.
The senator said internal disagreements within the ruling party and a loss of confidence in its leadership were among the reasons behind his decision to leave the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Turning to the state of the economy, Maidoki questioned the implementation of the 2024, 2025 and 2026 budgets. He asked how the country could effectively operate when approved spending plans were not being carried out.
The senator also raised concerns about government borrowing. He said Nigeria had borrowed more than many people expected while major revenue collecting agencies had reported exceeding their collection targets.
Maidoki questioned where the additional revenue and borrowed funds had gone, saying Nigerians deserved greater clarity about how public money was being used.
His comments come as many Nigerians continue to face pressure from high living costs and economic hardship. The senator warned that worsening conditions could create growing frustration among citizens if people do not see meaningful improvements in their daily lives.
The remarks were captured in an AIT news clip that later circulated widely on social media, attracting significant attention and further discussion about government spending and accountability.
The senator’s claims also come amid broader concerns over budget implementation in Nigeria. Capital projects can continue from one budget year into another, with some projects receiving funding over several budget cycles while others face delays in receiving approved funds.
Roads, healthcare, housing and other major areas have remained part of the wider debate over government spending, with critics questioning whether approved funds are being released quickly enough to deliver visible results.
There have also been calls for greater transparency over additional revenue generated through economic reforms, including the removal of the petrol subsidy.
Maidoki said joining the African Democratic Congress would give him more freedom to speak for his constituents without pressure from his former party.
His comments have now added fresh focus to questions about Nigeria’s public finances, particularly the gap between money approved in budgets, money collected by government agencies and money actually spent on projects and programmes.
The senator’s central question remains whether Nigerians are getting enough value from the revenue being collected and the funds being borrowed by the government.
