Atiku Abubakar Challenges Tinubu Over $16bn Power Allegations

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, has publicly challenged the Federal Government to investigate and prosecute him if there is evidence linking him to the alleged $16bn power expenditure during his time in office. In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku accused the Bola Tinubu-led government of recycling old allegations to divert attention from the economic hardships faced by Nigerians.

The $16bn figure, associated with the Olusegun Obasanjo administration's power sector spending, has been under scrutiny since 2007, with various administrations questioning the expenditure. Atiku stated that he was never invited to respond to any allegations during investigations and emphasized that if there is evidence of wrongdoing, it should be presented in court.

He urged the Tinubu government to account for the resources gained since the removal of petrol subsidies, questioning, “Where is the people’s money?”.