Former vice president and Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar said that while Betta Edu's suspension as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is praiseworthy, it is insufficient. Ola Olukoyede, the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, was given instructions by President Bola Tinubu on Monday to look into any financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

On December 20, 2023, a leaked memo revealed that Edu had instructed Oluwatoyin Madein, the Accountant-General of the Federation, to transfer N585 million to a private account owned by Oniyelu Bridget. The ministry claimed that Bridget is currently the Project Accountant for Grants for Vulnerable Groups. This action brought criticism upon Edu. In response, Atiku said in a statement released on Tuesday by his Special Assistant for Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, that it was regrettable that a program intended to help over 100 million Nigerians escape extreme poverty had purportedly turned into a money-making venture for APC administrations.

"We think this is a belated move, but Tinubu deserves commendation for suspending Edu," he added. Initially, it was inappropriate for him to designate her as a minister of such a delicate ministry. Because Tinubu prioritized politics over ability, this controversy resulted. What background did Betta have in the field of development? How could Imaan Ibrahim, with her extensive background, go unnoticed? How did Femi Gbajabiamila, the President's Chief of Staff, act as Betta Edu's referee when she was being cleared by the Senate? Atiku, who demanded that the ministry be reformed, said that Betta Edu was not the only one involved in the transactions. 14