“Atiku Challenges Tinubu Over Federal Audit Service Bill, Issues Seven Day Deadline Amid Accountability Debate”
Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sign the Federal Audit Service Bill into law within seven days or step down from office, arguing that any further delay undermines constitutional governance and Nigeria’s public accountability framework.
In a statement released through his media office, Atiku described the prolonged withholding of presidential assent to the bill as a serious setback to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and democratic accountability. He maintained that the legislation is designed to strengthen the independence and effectiveness of the Federal Audit Service, a key institution responsible for scrutinizing government spending and safeguarding public resources.
According to Atiku, the bill aligns with constitutional principles requiring robust oversight of public finances. He argued that refusing to assent to the legislation weakens institutional checks and balances at a time when Nigerians are demanding greater accountability in the management of public funds. The former vice president urged the Tinubu administration to demonstrate its commitment to good governance by approving the legislation without further delay.
The Federal Audit Service Bill seeks to modernize Nigeria’s public audit system by granting greater operational independence to the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, enhancing its ability to audit government ministries, departments, and agencies effectively. Governance advocates have long argued that the legislation would strengthen anti corruption efforts and improve public confidence in the country’s financial management systems.
While Atiku’s ultimatum has intensified political debate, the Presidency had not issued an official response at the time of filing this report. Political analysts note that disagreements over major legislation are common in democratic systems, although calls for a sitting president to resign over legislative delays are likely to generate significant political discussion ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development comes amid increasing public scrutiny of governance, fiscal transparency, and institutional reforms under the Tinubu administration, with stakeholders continuing to monitor the fate of the Federal Audit Service Bill.