ABUJA — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar over what it described as a history of corruption-related controversies, warning Nigerians against allowing the former Vice-President near the presidency in 2027.
The ruling party made the allegations in a statement posted on its verified X handle on Thursday, citing controversies surrounding the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project and other cases involving Atiku.
The APC specifically referred to proceedings before an International Chamber of Commerce arbitration tribunal in Paris concerning a $500,000 payment made in January 2003 by Leno Adesanya, promoter of Sunrise Power, to Jennifer Douglas, who was Atiku’s wife at the time.
The party linked the transaction to the wider controversy surrounding the Mambilla project and alleged that it raised questions about Atiku’s record in public office.
The APC also cited the Siemens bribery controversy, the William Jefferson case, the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) funds controversy and a United States Senate investigation into suspicious financial transactions.
It said the issues it raised were documented in official records, tribunal proceedings, government investigations, legislative reports and international financial inquiries.
“Atiku is a danger to Nigeria. Nigerians must keep him away from the national treasury,” the party said.
The APC further alleged that Atiku’s political career had been associated with local and international bribery and corruption controversies and accused him of seeking the presidency despite what it described as unresolved questions from his past.
It said the 2027 election represented an opportunity for Nigerians to reject what it described as Atiku’s pursuit of presidential power and protect the country’s resources.
On the Mambilla controversy, the party said the Paris arbitration proceedings had examined the $500,000 payment to Jennifer Douglas and described the issue as particularly troubling.
The APC also referred to several other controversies involving Atiku, saying they raised questions about accountability and the handling of public resources.
“These are not mere allegations. They are matters that are well documented in official records, tribunal proceedings, government investigations, national and foreign legislative reports, and international financial inquiries,” the party said.
The APC concluded by questioning Atiku’s record on probity and accountability as he seeks the presidency under the ADC in the 2027 election.
The allegations form part of the growing political dispute between the APC and Atiku ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
You Might Also Like
