Atiku Dares Tinubu Government to Probe Him Over $16 Billion Power Projects
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has thrown a direct challenge to the Federal Government, daring authorities to investigate and prosecute him if they possess any evidence of corruption regarding the controversial $16 billion power projects executed under the Olusegun Obasanjo administration.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stated that political propaganda cannot replace tangible proof.
A Call for Genuine Investigation, Not Propaganda
In an official statement released by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku accused the President Bola Tinubu-led administration of recycling old allegations to distract Nigerians from pressing national issues.
He insisted that rather than throwing accusations on social media, the government should use its investigative machinery to build a formal court case.
“It is still not too late. Investigate me. Invite me. Produce the evidence. Prosecute me if you have a case. But propaganda cannot substitute for evidence.”
Key Facts on the $16 Billion Power Projects
Addressing his exact role in past government transactions, Atiku clarified several important points regarding the $16 billion power projects:
- No National Assembly Indictment: When federal lawmakers investigated the power sector spending years ago, Atiku was never invited or indicted for any financial wrongdoing.
- Privatisation vs. Implementation: While he served as Chairman of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), the actual execution and funding of the $16 billion power projects were managed directly by the Ministry of Power.
- Two Decades of Scrutiny: Since leaving office in 2007, successive administrations with full access to state intelligence have failed to present any prosecutable evidence in court.
Deflecting from Economic Hardship?
Atiku argued that the sudden revival of controversies surrounding the $16 billion power projects is an attempt to shift public attention away from the severe economic hardships caused by recent federal policies, especially fuel subsidy removal.
He challenged the Tinubu administration to answer a fundamental question: since fuel subsidy was removed to save funds for national development, where is the money, and why are ordinary citizens bearing the entire cost of rising living expenses while corporate interests receive waivers and tax credits?
Shifting Attention to the 2027 Political Battle
The exchange marks an intensifying political confrontation between the opposition and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
By demanding a transparent probe into the $16 billion power projects, Atiku has placed the ball firmly in the Federal Government’s court, daring authorities to either produce credible evidence or stop using old allegations as political distractions.