The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has criticised the Nigerian Senate for rejecting a proposal to investigate military spending, insisting that accountability in defence expenditure is crucial at a time of worsening insecurity across the country.
Adebayo made the remarks on Monday in Abuja while speaking with journalists, where he questioned how billions of naira allocated to security have been managed without corresponding improvement in national safety.
“Where Is The ₦5.4 Trillion Defence Budget?” — Adebayo Asks
Adebayo argued that the core issue is not the size of Nigeria’s defence budget, but whether the funds actually reach the armed forces and are properly utilised.
He pointed to the country’s ₦5.413 trillion allocation to defence and security, saying the figures have not translated into meaningful improvement in the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnappings.
According to him, Nigerians deserve transparency, especially as communities continue to suffer repeated attacks across different regions.
“The issue is not just budgeting money for defence. It is whether the money reaches the armed forces and is properly utilised,” he said.
Senate’s Rejection of Probe Sparks Debate
The SDP candidate faulted the Senate’s decision to drop a motion seeking an investigation into military spending, noting that lawmakers had justified their position by saying it could affect troop morale and operational effectiveness.
However, Adebayo disagreed, insisting that accountability should never be suspended under any security justification.
He argued that public funds allocated for national defence must be subject to legislative scrutiny, especially at a time when insecurity has become a daily reality for many Nigerians.
Criticism Of Security Strategy And Amnesty Policies
Adebayo also took aim at the Federal Government’s broader approach to insecurity, particularly the policy of reintegrating repentant insurgents.
He questioned the effectiveness of current strategies, saying Nigeria must adopt more practical and results-driven measures to protect vulnerable communities.
According to him, leadership decisions—not lack of resources—remain the biggest obstacle to resolving the country’s security challenges.
“These are problems we can overcome, but leadership must be willing to do what is right,” he said.
Call For Stronger Electoral And Institutional Reforms
Beyond security, Adebayo also renewed his call for electoral reforms, arguing that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cannot be truly independent while its leadership is appointed by the President.
He said this arrangement weakens public trust and undermines confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
“In a democracy, INEC cannot be truly independent when politicians appoint those running it,” he said.
Senate’s Position On Military Spending
Naija News recalls that the Senate recently rejected a motion seeking a formal investigation into military expenditure, despite concerns raised during debates on worsening insecurity.
The proposal followed renewed attacks in parts of Oyo and Kwara states, which intensified calls for stronger oversight of security spending.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole had argued in favour of a review of defence expenditure, while Senator Sani Musa also supported the call for greater accountability.
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However, the motion failed to gain sufficient support after being put to a vote, with no senator seconding it.
Senate Defends Its Decision
Defending the outcome, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said probing military spending during ongoing operations would be inappropriate and could undermine national security efforts.
He maintained that such scrutiny could demoralise troops and disrupt ongoing operations, describing the timing as sensitive.
Bamidele, however, clarified that the Senate remains committed to accountability, adding that proper oversight of defence spending would be more appropriate after active security operations are concluded.
He stressed that the priority of the National Assembly remains supporting security agencies in their efforts to restore peace across the country.
