LP Senatorial Candidate Demands Probe of Alleged N8.83 Trillion Off-Budget Spending
By Chizoba Njaka
The Labour Party's Anambra Central Senatorial Candidate, Ven. Tochukwu Sagacious Ikezue, has called for a comprehensive investigation into reports alleging that N8.83 trillion in Federal Government expenditure for the 2025 fiscal year was not reflected in the approved national budget.
In a statement issued on July 6, Ven. Ikezue said he was concerned by findings from a recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) consultation, which reportedly highlighted the alleged off-budget spending. He noted that if the reports are confirmed, they would raise serious questions about fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability in the management of public funds.
According to him, such a large expenditure outside the approved budgetary framework, if left unexplained, could undermine public confidence in government institutions and weaken the principles of democratic governance.
Ven. Ikezue urged the Federal Government to provide Nigerians with a detailed explanation regarding the reported expenditure. He also called on the National Assembly to exercise its constitutional oversight responsibilities by conducting a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter.
He further urged the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation and other relevant accountability institutions to ensure that due process is followed and that the facts surrounding the reported expenditure are fully established.
Highlighting the country's economic challenges, including rising hardship, unemployment, inadequate healthcare, poor educational facilities, and decaying infrastructure, Ven. Ikezue stressed that every public fund must be properly accounted for and used to improve the welfare of Nigerians.
"This is not the time for political grandstanding or attempts to suppress legitimate questions. It is a time for openness, accountability, and respect for the rule of law," he said.
He also encouraged Nigerians to continue demanding transparency and prudent management of public resources through lawful and democratic means, reiterating his belief that "A New Nigeria is Possible."
As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Government had not issued an official response to the IMF findings or to Ikezue's statement.