NDC Presidential candidate, Peter Obi
National Democratic Coalition (NDC) has said presidential hopeful Peter Obi will not allow delayed budget implementation if elected, promising to introduce fiscal discipline and responsible economic management.
The party’s spokesman, Osa Director, said Obi’s administration would end what he described as the practice of implementing annual budgets years after they were approved, arguing that such a system weakens economic planning.
Director made the statement while reacting to the continued implementation of the 2025 budget into the last quarter of 2026 after approval by the National Assembly.
According to him, delayed budget execution has become a major challenge under the current administration, affecting government projects, contractors and investors.
“Under the Tinubu-led administration, the national budget has always been implemented in arrears. In fact, there was a period when the 2024 and 2025 budgets were still running concurrently in 2026,” he said.
He added that such a situation creates uncertainty and affects the delivery of important infrastructure projects across the country.
“Such recklessness and lack of seriousness distort the economy badly. Capital projects suffer, contractors are owed, and they either abandon sites or demand variations. This is why we have uncompleted roads everywhere,” Director stated.
The NDC spokesman argued that annual budgets should serve as a clear economic roadmap, helping government, businesses and investors plan effectively.
He said implementing budgets years behind schedule could increase inflationary pressures, encourage more borrowing and reduce investor confidence in the economy.
“As a matter of economic truth, operating the 2025 budget in the last quarter of 2026 means you are not budgeting at all. You are just spending!” he said.
Director further claimed that an Obi-led government would focus on transparency, accountability and proper economic planning to address corruption, poverty and underdevelopment.
“These are the vicious cycles that an Obi presidency would break, liberating Nigeria from corruption, poverty, and underdevelopment,” he added.
The NDC spokesman concluded by restating the party’s belief that a new approach to governance and economic management could create a better future for Nigerians.
“A New Nigeria is Possible. We can do it!” he said.
