Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called for an independent investigation into a N6.44 billion provision in the 2026 Appropriation Act for a “Special Presidential Support Group for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers,” describing the allocation as indefensible.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku noted that Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualification hopes ended in November 2025, before the 2026 budget was presented to the National Assembly.
He questioned how the expenditure was included in the budget, demanding an explanation of who inserted the provision, who approved it and the purpose it was meant to serve after Nigeria’s elimination from the qualifying race.
According to the former Vice President, the allocation raises fresh concerns about transparency and fiscal discipline, reinforcing public doubts over the credibility of the federal budgeting process.
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Atiku also renewed his call for a full investigation into the controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), arguing that the matter extends beyond the actions of any one individual.
He said claims that the body operated from the Federal Secretariat, recruited hundreds of personnel and was reportedly linked to a N1.3 billion provision in the 2026 budget warrant an independent inquiry to determine the extent of official involvement or institutional failures.
He further questioned moves to initiate another executive investigation into issues already before the courts, warning that such action could undermine public confidence in the judicial process.
Atiku urged the National Assembly to constitute an independent bipartisan panel to investigate both the disputed World Cup budget allocation and the PFIPC controversy.
He also called on the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society organizations, the diplomatic community and other stakeholders to support a transparent and credible investigation, insisting that public accountability must not be sacrificed for political expediency.