News reports that Amaechi made the claim during an appearance on Channels Television’s breakfast programme on Friday.

He criticised the Tinubu administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing them of interfering in opposition parties and attempting to weaken potential challengers ahead of the election.

Amaechi argued that regardless of whether the election is free or flawed, Tinubu would be defeated if credible opposition candidates are on the ballot.

He also dismissed interpretations of a Court of Appeal ruling suggesting the opposition was leaderless, insisting that such claims misrepresent the law.

According to him, the government is working to prevent strong opponents from emerging by using institutions, including the judiciary, to influence party structures.

Amaechi called on authorities to allow political institutions to function independently and ensure that all parties can field candidates without interference.

He maintained that Nigerians would ultimately decide at the polls, questioning the administration’s chances amid economic challenges and ongoing insecurity.

“How can he win with the current state of the economy and security situation?” he asked.

reports that the development was announced on Friday in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The 2026 budget provides a total expenditure of ₦68.32 trillion. Tinubu also approved the extension of the 2025 budget implementation period from March 31, 2026, to June 30, 2026.

Of the total budget, ₦4.799 trillion is allocated to statutory transfers, ₦15.8 trillion to debt servicing, ₦15.4 trillion to recurrent expenditure, and ₦32.2 trillion to capital projects under the Development Fund.

With capital spending accounting for about 50 percent, the budget reflects the administration’s focus on economic stability, security, infrastructure development, and inclusive growth.

The allocation structure is designed to balance statutory commitments, debt obligations, recurrent costs, and capital investments aimed at boosting productivity and improving living standards.

The President also signed the Appropriation (Repeal and Enactment) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, extending the implementation of the 2025 capital budget to June 30, 2026.

The extension is expected to ensure full utilisation of funds for ongoing infrastructure and development projects across the country.

It will also allow Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to complete ongoing projects, improve execution rates, and maximise public spending value.

With the 2026 Appropriation Act taking effect from April 1, the Federal Government is set to begin full implementation in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Tinubu directed MDAs to ensure transparency, discipline, and efficiency in the use of allocated resources, stressing value for money and timely project delivery.

He commended the National Assembly for its swift consideration and passage of the budget, and reiterated the importance of cooperation between the Executive and Legislature in driving national development.

The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fiscal reforms, stronger revenue generation, job creation, and expanded social protection programmes.

Wike made the remark on Friday during a visit to the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja, where he also expressed support for the party’s new National Working Committee.

He dismissed the notion that smaller parties can assume the role of the opposition without electoral victories, stressing that only proven performance in elections gives a party credibility and strength in Nigeria’s political space.

During the visit, Wike said his presence was to back the new PDP leadership and reaffirm his loyalty as the party works to resolve internal challenges and reposition itself.

He acknowledged that the PDP had faced a difficult period but noted that it is gradually recovering, adding that rebuilding the party would require unity, hard work, and sacrifice.

The former Rivers State governor also urged the leadership to prioritise reconciliation, especially by bringing back members who left the party, noting that many defectors are still interested in returning due to political opportunities such as ticket considerations.

Wike further cautioned against distractions, including ongoing court cases, expressing confidence that the party would overcome its legal hurdles if it remains united and focused.

He said: “You cannot become an opposition party without winning an election. Those who say they are leading the opposition have not contested any election successfully.

“My coming here is to reassure you of my support. I have come to pledge my loyalty to the National Working Committee.

“Yes, we have crisis, and we have almost come out of it. It will require hard work and sacrifice to move the party forward.”