Budget padding: Atiku stands by suspended Senator Ningi

Former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has pledged his unwavering support to Bauchi Central Senator Abdul Ningi amidst the latter’s suspension from the Senate.

Senator Ningi faced a three-month suspension from the Senate following his allegation of budget padding, where he claimed that a staggering N3.7 trillion could not be accounted for in the 2027 budget.

During a solidarity visit to Senator Ningi, Atiku emphasized the critical importance of upholding the integrity of government institutions to ensure the advancement of Nigerian interests and the realization of developmental goals.

Taking to social media platform X after the visit, Atiku reiterated his commitment to stand by Senator Ningi in his battle, stating, “I assured Sen. Ningi that he is not alone in the battle that earned him a suspension in the Senate. -AA”

Atiku’s show of support underscores the significance of accountability and transparency in governance, as well as the need to safeguard the rights of lawmakers to speak out on issues affecting the nation’s welfare.

During a solidarity visit to Sen. Abdul Ningi, @Sen_AbdulNingi, representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, I stressed the importance of preserving the integrity of government institutions if the interests of Nigerians are to be better served and the envisaged development… pic.twitter.com/0fmfUAJRe4

— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) April 22, 2024