Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed concern regarding an IMF report that reveals ₦8.8 trillion in federal expenditures were not included in official budget records. He accused the Tinubu administration of operating a "parallel fiscal universe" in the lead-up to the 2027 elections. This statement was made following the release of the IMF's Article IV report on July 1, 2026.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has denied allegations of spending ₦8 trillion outside the 2026 budget, asserting that a report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was misrepresented. Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele provided clarification on the matter.

Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, has called for an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) into the International Monetary Fund's claim that Nigeria has spent N8.8 trillion off-budget, which he states is equivalent to 2% of the country's GDP, according to ThisDay Live.

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government has refuted allegations that it spent over ₦8 trillion outside of the approved budget, which is estimated to be about two percent of Nigeria's total budget. The government has addressed these claims in a recent statement, emphasizing its adherence to budgetary regulations.

Opposition leaders Atiku and Obi have called for investigations into the International Monetary Fund's claim of ₦8.83 trillion in off-budget spending. They urged Nigerians to persist in demanding greater transparency in the management of public resources, according to Channels TV.

The Allied People’s Movement (APM) in Lagos State has called on the Federal Government to clarify reports of alleged off-budget spending amounting to ₦8.8 trillion, as highlighted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The party's Public Secretary, Mr. Ayodele Kazeem, emphasized that Nigerians deserve transparency regarding public expenditure in a statement released on Sunday.