The Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation (MDPCO) has demanded an independent audit of the ₦15 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of poor planning, lack of transparency and failure to adequately account for public funds.
The organisation also urged the Federal Government to publish all procurement documents, payment records, engineering assessments and alternative-route studies relating to the controversial highway project, particularly following reports of a proposed route realignment.
Director-General of MDPCO, Felix Hassan Hyat, made the demands on Tuesday during a press conference in Abuja, where he questioned the circumstances surrounding the contract award and the reasons for the reported changes to the highway’s route.
Hyat said the development had raised concerns about the technical planning, procurement procedures and financial accountability associated with the multitrillion-naira project.
He also expressed concern over the reported disagreement surrounding an earlier announcement that Tinubu had directed the realignment, which Works Minister David Umahi was subsequently reported to have disputed.
According to Hyat, Nigerians deserve a clear explanation of the technical considerations behind the reported changes, particularly the administration’s reference to climate change and environmental challenges.
He questioned whether adequate engineering studies and environmental assessments had been completed before the project was awarded.
The campaign organisation further alleged that the project proceeded without an approved engineering design, a transparent and competitive bidding process, and the necessary budgetary provisions and legislative appropriation.
Hyat said these allegations raised questions about compliance with the Public Procurement Act 2007 and the procedures governing major public infrastructure contracts.
He called on the Federal Government to disclose the circumstances surrounding the contractor’s selection, the contract award, expenditure incurred so far and the measures put in place to safeguard public funds.
The organisation also demanded clarification on the financial implications of the reported realignment, including whether the changes would increase or reduce the overall cost of the project.
‘Nigerians Deserve Answers’
Hyat argued that accountability was particularly important at a time when households were grappling with rising food prices, transportation costs, healthcare expenses and education bills.
He maintained that the success of infrastructure projects should not be measured solely by the amount of money invested but also by their contribution to economic growth and citizens’ welfare.
The campaign organisation questioned the prioritisation of a coastal highway estimated at ₦15 trillion while several existing federal roads remained in poor condition.
It insisted that the government should demonstrate the project’s economic benefits and explain how its cost and execution align with national infrastructure priorities.
The group also raised concerns about alleged links between individuals associated with the Presidency and a company connected to the contractor’s corporate group, calling for transparency to address potential conflict-of-interest questions.
It further referred to allegations linking the contract to the financing of the ruling All Progressives Congress’ election expenses. However, the organisation did not present documentary evidence to substantiate the claim during the press conference.
In its formal demands, MDPCO urged the Federal Government to release all relevant procurement and payment records, commission an independent engineering assessment of the reported realignment in Ondo State, and conduct a comprehensive audit of expenditure and future implementation plans.
Hyat stressed that the organisation was not opposed to infrastructure development but insisted that projects funded with public money must be backed by sound technical planning, transparent procurement and clear financial justification.
Group Targets Tinubu Ahead of 2027
Beyond the highway controversy, the campaign organisation called on Nigerians to reject Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, accusing his administration of failing to fulfil its campaign promises and worsening the country’s economic difficulties.
Hyat urged voters to support the presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, whom he presented as an alternative under the organisation’s proposed Reset Nigeria agenda.
He said the campaign was working to build a broad coalition across political parties and regions, with a focus on economic recovery, accountability and national development.
The organisation maintained that the Federal Government should address the concerns surrounding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and provide verifiable information about its cost, procurement process and implementation.
The controversy over the reported route realignment has added to the political debate surrounding the planning, financing and oversight of major infrastructure projects ahead of the 2027 general elections.
