Why I rejected APC campaign council role — Toyin Abraham

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has urged African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential hopeful Atiku Abubakar to step down from the 2027 election due to revelations about a 2003 payment made to Jennifer Douglas, then his wife, linked to the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project. The council claims this payment, totaling $500,000, and the subsequent award of a build-operate-transfer contract to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company, raised serious questions about Abubakar's involvement in the Mambilla project controversy.

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) tribunal in Paris ruled that Sunrise and its promoter, Leno Adesanya, must reimburse Nigeria for 75% of its legal fees and expenses related to the project. The APC council highlighted a $500,000 payment made by Adesanya to Douglas in January 2003, which they argue was connected to the contract's award.

They allege that Abubakar and former Power Minister Olu Agunloye facilitated the contract despite objections. The tribunal noted a "close connection in time" between the payment and the contract's award, though it did not find evidence of bribery. The APC council contends that the payment and the contract's award compromised Nigeria's interests for personal gain.

They also criticized Abubakar for not testifying before the tribunal, unlike former Presidents Obasanjo and Buhari, and cited criticisms in Obasanjo's book. The council urges Abubakar to withdraw from the presidential race, emphasizing the potential economic benefits of the Mambilla project for Taraba state and Nigeria.