The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed his support for Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central.
Atiku, who served as Nigeria’s Vice President from 1999 to 2007, has been a prominent figure in the country’s political landscape for decades.
Senator Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central in the Nigerian Senate, was recently suspended for three months due to his allegations of budget padding.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, Ningi claimed that the Federal Government was operating two versions of the 2024 budget, with the N28.7 trillion budget passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu being skewed against the North.
In a post on his X platform on Friday, Atiku expressed his support for Senator Ningi, stating:
He wrote, “The voice of truth which Senator Ningi represents cannot be suspended from the hearts of the people. Every bearer of true conscience is welcome in my house.”
This statement suggests that Atiku believes Ningi’s allegations are valid and that he stands with those who speak the truth, regardless of the consequences.
Following his suspension, Senator Ningi was recalled on May 28 after the Deputy Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro initiated a process, expressing regret on his behalf. Ningi resumed his duties at the National Assembly on Tuesday, June 4, after being recalled.
The events surrounding Senator Ningi’s suspension and recall have highlighted the ongoing political tensions and debates surrounding the federal budget and its allocation.
