APC Demands Atiku Withdraw from 2027 Race Over Payment

The Presidential Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called for Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race. This demand follows new disclosures from the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration regarding the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.

The APC, through its spokesman Dele Alake, accused Atiku of prioritizing personal interests over Nigeria's national interest during his tenure as Vice President under Olusegun Obasanjo. The ICC tribunal recently ruled in favor of Nigeria against Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited, dismissing claims totaling $2.35 billion and ordering reimbursement of $11.82 million in legal fees.

The tribunal's findings highlighted a $500,000 payment made by Leno Adesanya to Jennifer Douglas, Atiku's then-wife, in January 2003, shortly before Sunrise was awarded a contract. The tribunal rejected Adesanya's explanation for the payment, which has become a significant political issue for the APC against Atiku.