ADC Accuses APC of Diverting N800bn FAAC Funds for Tinubu’s 2027 Campaign

Nigeria’s economic management has come under renewed public scrutiny after the African Democratic Congress (ADC) accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of allegedly diverting more than N800 billion from Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds to finance preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The allegation has sparked fresh debate over Nigeria’s fiscal transparency, public spending and the impact of the Federal Government’s economic reforms at a time millions of Nigerians are battling inflation, rising food prices and worsening living conditions.

The controversy also comes amid reports that the Federal Government is in discussions with the World Bank over a proposed fresh $1.25 billion loan facility, further raising concerns about Nigeria’s debt profile and dependence on external borrowing.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the alleged diversion of public funds for political purposes as “shameless, cruel and criminal.”

According to the opposition party, reports suggesting that over N800 billion was allegedly raised through deductions from FAAC allocations confirmed fears that public resources were being converted into a political “war chest” ahead of the 2027 elections.

“The report alleging that over N800 billion was raised through deductions from FAAC allocations for political purposes confirms what Nigerians have long suspected, that while the administration continues to tell the people to endure the pains of its ill-fated economic reforms, the APC has been converting public resources into a war chest for 2027 politics,” the party stated.

The ADC argued that despite record allocations to states following the removal of petrol subsidy and the devaluation of the naira, ordinary Nigerians continue to face severe hardship, unemployment and insecurity.

“Under this APC government, states are receiving more money than at any other period in Nigeria’s history, yet Nigerians are poorer, hungrier, and more desperate than ever before,” the statement added.

“Roads are still collapsing. Hospitals are still empty. Schools are still underfunded. Workers are underpaid. Communities remain unsafe. The only thing growing is the political appetite of the ruling party.”

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The party maintained that if the allegations are proven true, they would amount to political corruption and diversion of resources meant for development, healthcare, education, infrastructure and citizens’ welfare.

“FAAC allocations are meant for development, salaries, healthcare, education, infrastructure, security and the welfare of citizens, not for financing the re-election plans of one man,” the ADC said.

The opposition party also called for an independent investigation into the alleged deductions and any accounts reportedly linked to the operation.

The allegation has intensified political tensions at a time the Tinubu administration is pushing ahead with major tax reforms in Nigeria aimed at increasing government revenue and reducing dependence on borrowing.

Speaking recently at the 28th Annual Tax Conference of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria in Abuja, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, defended the government’s fiscal reforms and warned that Nigeria could no longer sustain development through excessive borrowing.

According to Oyedele, the country urgently needs a more sustainable fiscal system capable of funding healthcare, education, infrastructure and social protection without relying heavily on debt.

The minister explained that the administration’s tax reform agenda seeks to simplify Nigeria’s tax system, improve compliance, widen the tax base and create a more competitive economy while protecting low-income earners and small businesses.

However, the reforms have continued to generate debate across the country, particularly amid concerns over rising taxation, inflation and the high cost of living.

Economic analysts say the growing controversy surrounding FAAC funds, taxation and public borrowing reflects broader public frustration over the country’s economic direction under President Tinubu’s administration.

Despite criticism, President Tinubu has repeatedly defended his economic policies, insisting that difficult reforms such as subsidy removal and exchange rate liberalisation were necessary to stabilise the economy and attract long-term investment.

The President has also argued that rising debt servicing costs have significantly reduced Nigeria’s ability to invest adequately in critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare and education.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Presidency nor the APC Governors’ Forum had officially responded to the ADC’s allegations regarding the alleged diversion of public funds.

ADC Accuses APC of Diverting N800bn FAAC Funds for Tinubu’s 2027 Campaign

Domestic Dispute Turns Tragic as Woman Sets Co-Wife, Two Children Ablaze in Kano

A domestic dispute in Kano State turned tragic after a woman, identified as Maryam Muhammad, allegedly poured petrol on her co-wife and two children before setting them ablaze in the Hotoro area of Kano metropolis.

The shocking incident reportedly happened late Monday night at the Mai Allo area of Hotoro quarters, leaving residents in disbelief and sparking outrage across the community.

The victims — 28-year-old Firdausi Musa and her two children, Khadija Ya’u, 7, and Ismail Ya’u, 3 — sustained severe burns and are currently receiving treatment at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala, and Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano.

Their husband and father, Malam Saminu, was also injured while trying to rescue the victims from the fire. He is currently undergoing treatment for burns sustained during the incident.

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According to family members, the suspect, Maryam Muhammad, is currently in police custody at the Mariri Police Division as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Speaking on the incident, Firdausi’s younger brother, Buhari Musa Sa’ad, revealed that the family received a distress call around 3am informing them that his sister, her husband and the children had been set ablaze.

He disclosed that Firdausi had spent less than two weeks in the matrimonial home before the attack occurred.

“She is around 28 years old. The children who got burned are the ones she brought from her previous marriage. They are stepchildren to the husband, who works as a tricycle rider,” he said.

Another relative, Rukayya, alleged that the victim had repeatedly complained about threats and intimidation from the co-wife before the incident.

“We were here when she was brought in, and she told us herself that it was her co-wife who poured petrol on her and lit a match,” she said.

Rukayya further explained that Firdausi had temporarily left the house earlier due to the alleged threats but later returned after intervention from her husband.

The incident has generated widespread reactions in Kano, with many residents describing the attack as heartbreaking and disturbing.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kano State Police Command had yet to release an official statement on the matter. However, sources confirmed that investigations are ongoing while the suspect remains in custody.

The case has also reignited conversations around domestic violence, family disputes, and the dangers associated with unresolved tensions in polygamous homes.

Domestic Dispute Turns Tragic as Woman Sets Co-Wife, Two Children Ablaze in Kano

Lagos CARES Grant: How Residents, Small Businesses Can Apply for Financial Support

As the cost of living continues to rise and economic pressure weighs heavily on households and businesses, more Lagos residents are turning to government intervention programmes for relief. One initiative attracting growing attention in Q2 2026 is the Lagos State CARES Grant, a financial support scheme designed to assist vulnerable households, entrepreneurs, artisans, and small business owners struggling with rising operational costs.

Interest in the programme has surged in recent months as many residents search for ways to secure support for startups, business expansion, and livelihood recovery amid inflation and unemployment concerns.

The Lagos CARES programme is part of the broader Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) framework introduced to cushion the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and support long-term economic recovery across states.

In Lagos, major components of the programme are coordinated through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), which regularly publishes eligibility requirements, intervention categories, and application guidelines for residents seeking support.

According to the agency, the initiative focuses on three major result areas — Social Protection, Agriculture, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) — with the aim of supporting vulnerable groups and improving business sustainability across the state.

Unlike conventional bank loans, some categories of the CARES intervention operate as grants or conditional support programmes that may not require repayment if beneficiaries comply with programme guidelines and verification processes.

What the Lagos CARES Grant Covers

The MSME segment of the programme currently includes several intervention categories such as the Operations Grant, Credit Support Grant, and IT Enhancement Grant.

Under the operations support category, nano businesses with one or two employees may qualify for grants of up to ₦50,000, while micro enterprises can access support of up to ₦500,000. Small and medium enterprises may qualify for grants of up to ₦1 million to support operational expenses including rent, salaries, power supply, logistics, and utilities.

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The programme also supports businesses with existing loans obtained from licensed financial institutions by co-financing part of qualifying credit facilities. Another category focuses on helping businesses improve their digital operations through technology support, internet tools, and productivity infrastructure.

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility requirements vary slightly depending on the intervention category, but applicants are generally expected to be residents of Lagos State or businesses operating within the state.

Groups commonly prioritised include:

• Small business owners
• Youth entrepreneurs
• Women-led businesses
• Market traders and artisans
• Agribusiness operators
• Informal sector workers
• Vulnerable households affected by economic hardship

Applicants are usually required to provide:

• Valid means of identification
• Bank Verification Number (BVN)
• LASRRA ID
• Proof of Lagos residency
• Business registration documents where applicable
• Tax Identification Number (TIN)
• Active bank account details
• Evidence of business operations

For registered SMEs, additional documentation such as CAC registration certificates, tax records, directors’ BVNs, and staff information may also be requested during verification.

How to Apply for Lagos CARES Grant in Q2 2026

Residents interested in the programme can apply through the official LSETF Application Portal.

The application process typically involves:

1. Creating an online account with an active email address and phone number
2. Selecting the Lagos CARES programme category
3. Filling in personal and business information
4. Uploading all required documents
5. Submitting the application for screening and verification

Applicants may also undergo physical verification visits to confirm the authenticity of submitted business information before approval and disbursement.

Successful applicants are usually notified through email or SMS updates regarding screening, shortlisting, or payment schedules.

Why Many Applications Are Rejected

Officials say incomplete or inaccurate information remains one of the biggest reasons many applications fail.

Common issues include:

• Incorrect BVN details
• Name mismatch across documents
• Invalid phone numbers
• Fake or unverifiable business addresses
• Poor-quality document uploads
• Multiple applications from the same applicant

Authorities have also warned residents to avoid unofficial websites or social media pages demanding payment for “guaranteed approval,” stressing that legitimate government grant programmes do not require unofficial processing fees or agent payments.

What Applicants Should Expect in 2026

With unemployment and inflation continuing to affect many households, competition for government grants in Lagos has become significantly higher.

Experts advise applicants to prepare properly by maintaining accurate business records, using consistent personal information across documents, and ensuring their businesses remain active and verifiable during screening.

Applicants are also encouraged to rely only on official government information channels, as verification and disbursement processes may take several weeks depending on application volume.

For enquiries or complaints, residents can contact the LSETF CARES Support Team or visit the agency’s office in Oregun, Ikeja.

Lagos CARES Grant: How Residents, Small Businesses Can Apply for Financial Support