2027: Investigate me — Atiku speaks on $16bn power projects scandal

Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has denied allegations of wrongdoing in a $16 billion power project scandal ahead of the 2027 general election. Atiku made these comments in a statement by his media team on Wednesday. According to DAILY POST, these allegations originated from the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Atiku, who served together from 1999 to 2007.

Atiku challenged the current Tinubu administration to provide evidence against him, stating that the sudden appearance of these allegations is a calculated attempt to distract from issues affecting the Tinubu administration. He mentioned that a National Assembly investigation into the power projects had taken place, but he was never called upon to answer any allegations of wrongdoing during that period.

Atiku, who chaired the National Council on Privatisation as Vice President, clarified that he did not preside over the implementation of the power projects; this responsibility fell to the responsible minister.

He further stated that he has repeatedly asked for an investigation into the power projects and has spent much of the time since leaving office, which was in 2007, opposing governments in power. Atiku questioned why no government had presented evidence of him stealing public funds if such allegations were true. He urged the Tinubu administration to either produce evidence or cease propagating unsubstantiated claims.