The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has requested an independent investigation into claims that approximately ₦8.8 trillion in public spending occurred outside Nigeria's official budget framework. The call for inquiry was made in a statement by HURIWA's National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, who characterized the allegations as serious.

Nigerians are expressing their views on social media following allegations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that the Federal Government did not account for public spending amounting to approximately N8.8 trillion, which is about 2% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), in recent official budgets. This disclosure has ignited a debate regarding transparency in government financial reporting.

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has called for President Bola Tinubu's resignation, alleging that his administration is involved in "grand corruption." Obi referenced a recent International Monetary Fund consultation report that claims there has been N8.83 trillion in unbudgeted expenditures under the current government. He made these statements in a document titled "Grand Corruption: Nigeria’s Greatest Threat."

The Federal Government of Nigeria has refuted claims that it spent over ₦8 trillion outside the approved 2026 budget, challenging anyone who believes this to provide evidence. This statement comes in response to remarks made by IMF Resident Representative in Nigeria, Christian Ebeke, who indicated that approximately two percent of Nigeria’s GDP was spent outside the budget in 2025.

Abayomi Arabambi, the National Vice Chairman (South West) of the Labour Party, has filed a demand for ₦50 billion from Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), over allegations of defamation. The details of the accusations have not been disclosed in the report.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected reports alleging irregularities in its candidate selection and financing ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting there were no illegal payments or favouritism in the process. According to the party, its official Seriake Dickson neither demanded nor received money from aspirants seeking tickets. The NDC defended its use of donations and levies, maintaining that its internal procedures complied with the rules governing the selection of candidates.