Atiku Challenges Tinubu on $20bn Chagoury Projects

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, has called on President Bola Tinubu to address concerns raised by The Economist about $20 billion worth of projects allegedly associated with Gilbert Chagoury, a close associate of the president. In a statement from his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku stated that the issues have transcended domestic political debate and entered the international sphere.

He emphasized that the reported value of these projects, approximately ₦27 trillion, is too significant to overlook, especially as Nigerians face increased taxes and economic challenges. Atiku demanded specific answers regarding the contracts' awarding process, competitive tendering, tax concessions, and the ownership of the involved companies.

He criticized the presidency's tendency to respond to corruption allegations by attacking critics instead of addressing the substantive claims. Atiku insisted that the president should respond to the questions raised by The Economist, particularly in light of the economic reforms requiring sacrifices from Nigerians.