Atiku challenges Tinubu to explain $20bn Chagoury deals

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar challenged President Bola Tinubu to explain allegations raised by The Economist concerning $20 billion in projects linked to Gilbert Chagoury, a close associate of the president. Atiku, running as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, stated that the concerns have moved beyond domestic political criticism and into the international arena.

He argued that the reported value of the projects is significant, at approximately ₦27 trillion at prevailing exchange rates, and that Nigerians deserve answers. Atiku called on the presidency to address specific issues related to the procurement of contracts, competitive tendering, tax concessions, and the ownership of companies involved in the projects.

He criticized the administration's tendency to deflect criticism by attacking political opponents instead of addressing the substance of the allegations. Atiku emphasized that the administration cannot preach sacrifice to Nigerians while questions hang over billions of dollars worth of projects linked to a friend.