The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has voiced strong opposition to the Federal Government’s plan to spend 22.15 billion naira on palace construction and renovations within the 2026 budget. Chief Peter Ameh, the National Secretary of the coalition, stated in Abuja that this expenditure is poorly timed given the severe economic strain currently affecting the Nigerian population.
Highlighting the 106 separate projects included in the budget, Ameh argued that these funds are unnecessary while citizens battle high costs of living and food insecurity. He suggested that the administration should prioritize social welfare initiatives instead, referencing the legacy of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) as a model for direct grassroots support. According to Ameh, public spending should focus on job creation and infrastructure rather than administrative buildings.
He emphasized that traditional rulers would likely prefer to lead prosperous, self-sufficient communities rather than see tax money used for palace upgrades. Citing Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates that the primary duty of the state is the security and welfare of its people, Ameh urged officials to reallocate these funds toward programs that alleviate poverty and stimulate economic growth.
