ABUJA, NIGERIA — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has thrown down the gauntlet to the Federal Government, challenging it to investigate and prosecute him over the alleged $16 billion power sector expenditure if it possesses any credible evidence linking him to the misappropriation of funds during his tenure.
The former Vice President made the challenge in a statement issued on Wednesday through his media office. His response comes amid renewed scrutiny regarding the management of funds allocated to the power sector during previous administrations, with some government officials suggesting that certain projects were not executed to specification or that funds were diverted.
Atiku, who also serves as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, described the allegations as politically motivated. He argued that if the government had any material evidence against him, it should have acted long before the 2027 election cycle. He maintained that he had nothing to hide and urged the authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation.
“If the Federal Government has any evidence against me regarding the power sector spending, they should make it public and proceed with prosecution,” Atiku stated. “I have never been found wanting in any financial impropriety, and I will not be intimidated by baseless accusations aimed at tarnishing my reputation.”
The challenge marks the latest confrontation between the former Vice President and the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Atiku has been a vocal critic of the government’s economic policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the management of the power sector.
Analysts say the move by Atiku is a calculated political strategy to force the government to either produce evidence or back down, thereby exposing what he views as a witch-hunt aimed at weakening his electoral prospects in 2027. The ADC candidate has repeatedly dismissed the allegations as a distraction from what he describes as the government’s failure to deliver on its promises to Nigerians.
The Federal Government has yet to issue an official response to Atiku’s challenge. However, officials have signalled that the administration remains committed to fighting corruption and ensuring that anyone found guilty of misappropriating public funds is held accountable.
For Atiku, the challenge represents another bold move in his ongoing battle with the current administration, positioning himself as a defiant opposition figure willing to confront the establishment. Whether the government takes up his dare remains to be seen.
