Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential hopeful for the 2027 elections, Atiku Abubakar, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the pending Federal Audit Service Bill.
In a statement released through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku urged the President to fulfil what he described as his constitutional obligation by either signing the bill into law or officially notifying the National Assembly of his reasons for withholding assent.
According to Atiku, Section 58(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), requires the President to act on any bill transmitted by the National Assembly within 30 days. He argued that prolonged silence over the Federal Audit Service Bill represents a constitutional violation and undermines democratic governance.
The former Vice President further maintained that the Constitution does not permit indefinite executive delay on legislation duly passed by the National Assembly. He warned that continued inaction could weaken public confidence in the rule of law and constitutional institutionsNigerian citizens and civil society stakeholders
The Federal Audit Service Bill is considered a significant governance reform aimed at strengthening the independence of the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, improving public financial accountability, and aligning Nigeria's auditing framework with international best practices.
The controversy also brings renewed attention to constitutional processes governing executive-legislative relations. Legal experts note that constitutional timelines are designed to ensure certainty, transparency, and accountability in governance.
The issue has become another talking point ahead of the 2027 elections, with political observers closely monitoring developments surrounding governance, institutional reforms, and adherence to constitutional provisions.
"Section 58(4) is explicit that the President must within 30 days of receiving any bill passed by the National Assembly either signify assent or withhold assent. That provision is neither decorative nor discretionary. It is a constitutional command," Atiku Abubakar said in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
The Federal Audit Service Bill seeks to modernise Nigeria's public audit system by enhancing the operational independence of the Office of the Auditor-General, strengthening oversight of government expenditure, and promoting transparency in public finance management.
Atiku also referenced recent public discussions surrounding governance and institutional reforms, arguing that constitutional compliance remains essential for sustaining democratic accountability.
Under Section 58(5) of the Constitution, where presidential assent is withheld, the National Assembly may reconsider the bill and, if supported by a two-thirds majority in both chambers, pass it into law without presidential approval.
As of the time of filing this report, there had been no official response from the Presidency regarding Atiku's ultimatum.
The coming days are expected to shape the next phase of discussions surrounding the Federal Audit Service Bill, constitutional compliance, and institutional accountability as Nigeria continues to strengthen its democratic governance framework.