SDP Presidential Candidate Faults Senate’s Refusal to Probe Military Spending

The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has criticised the Senate for rejecting a proposal seeking investigation into military spending despite Nigeria’s worsening insecurity challenges.

Adebayo said accountability in defence expenditure should not be compromised under the argument that it would affect troop morale, insisting that Nigerians deserve transparency on how security funds are utilised.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Monday, the SDP chieftain questioned the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security spending, noting that large budgetary allocations have not translated into improved safety across the country.

He said the Federal Government’s defence and security budget, which he put at N5.413 trillion, had not produced meaningful results in addressing banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.

“The issue is not just budgeting money for defence. It is whether the money reaches the armed forces and is properly utilised,” he said.

Adebayo also faulted the Senate’s position that probing military expenditure during ongoing security operations would undermine troop morale and operational effectiveness.

He argued that the funds in question were part of broader budgetary provisions and should still be subject to scrutiny to ensure proper utilisation and accountability.

He further criticised what he described as inefficiencies in Nigeria’s budget implementation system, likening it to electoral processes that are conducted without adequate structure or accountability.

According to him, systemic reforms are needed to ensure that defence allocations actually reach the armed forces and are used for their intended purpose.

Adebayo also took aim at government policy on insecurity, particularly the reintegration of repentant terrorists, arguing that stronger and more effective strategies were required to protect communities.

Despite his criticism, he maintained that Nigeria’s challenges are solvable if leadership focuses on responsible governance and prioritising citizens’ welfare.

On electoral reforms, he called for constitutional amendments to guarantee the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), arguing that presidential appointment powers over electoral officials undermine public trust.

Meanwhile, the Senate had recently debated a motion on worsening insecurity following renewed bandit attacks in several states but rejected a proposal to investigate military spending.

Senate leadership defended the decision, saying such a probe during active security operations could be counterproductive and harmful to ongoing military efforts.