Group defends Tinubu govt on sports funding, tells Atiku to focus on election

Group defends Tinubu govt on sports funding, tells Atiku to focus on election

The Arewa Youth Sports Forum has faulted Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, over his call for a probe into the N6.44bn budget provision for World Cup qualification, saying the demand is based on “misinformation.”

In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday and signed by its Coordinator, Yohanna Pam, the group said a proper check of budget records would show that the PFIPC subhead has been in existence since the 2025 appropriation to support Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers.

“A simple check would see that this subhead has been in the budget since the 2025 budget to support the qualifiers, but was not released despite the qualifiers being executed, including even playing in the play-offs, and expenditures made by the National Sports Commission, NSC,” Pam stated.

He explained that the Federal Government rolled over all unfunded 2025 budget provisions into the 2026 budget to enable settlement of expenses already incurred and to fund ongoing projects.

“Also, the Federal Government of Nigeria decided to roll over all 2025 budget provisions that have not been funded into the 2026 budget so they can be funded — especially to defray the expenses already expended in 2026 and/or execute the projects in 2026,” the statement added.

The group commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for what it described as “renewed commitment” to sports development.

“Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, sports funding has seen renewed commitment. From timely support for athletes, improved welfare, early preparation camps, to backing for NSC’s push to surpass our best Commonwealth Games performance, this government has prioritized sports development more than lip service,” Pam said.

He urged Atiku to channel his energy toward the 2027 general election rather than politicizing budgetary matters.

“Instead of politicizing budget processes he clearly does not understand, we advise Alhaji Atiku to focus on the task ahead of the presidential election. This is especially important now given his legal status as a presidential candidate following the latest Court of Appeal ruling. Nigerians deserve issue-based campaigns, not distractions and sensational claims,” the statement concluded.

Atiku had earlier called for a probe into the N6.44bn allocation, alleging mismanagement of funds meant for the Super Eagles’ failed World Cup qualification campaign.