2027: Atiku, APC Trade Blame Over Economy, Corruption Allegations

The African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and the All Progressives Congress on Thursday exchanged accusations over Nigeria’s economy and corruption allegations as political activities intensified ahead of the 2027 general election.

Atiku criticised the APC-led administration during a gathering in Akure, Ondo State, where former Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, formally joined the ADC. The former vice president accused the ruling party of worsening the country’s economic situation and urged Nigerians to vote for a change in 2027.

Later in the day, the APC responded through its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, who questioned Atiku’s record in public office and referred to several past corruption and financial controversies involving the former vice president and people associated with him.

Atiku, who was received by ADC supporters in Akure, said the visit was to welcome Jegede and other former PDP members into the opposition party. He said the ADC would return to Ondo State for a full campaign to present its plans for the country and the state.

He also spoke about the party’s proposed policies, including the restoration of fuel subsidy and measures aimed at improving security across the country.

The former vice president criticised the economic record of the APC administration, comparing it with the period between 1999 and 2007 when he served as vice president. He argued that Nigerians should consider changing the ruling party at the 2027 election.

Atiku also referred to the recent Osun governorship election, pointing to voter turnout and protection of votes as factors he said opposition parties should seek to achieve in future elections.

The ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, who was represented at the event by the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, called on residents to support ADC candidates and protect their votes during the 2027 elections.

Aregbesola also urged party members to begin mobilisation ahead of the election.

Former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, another ADC chieftain, addressed Hausa-speaking members of the party in Hausa and encouraged them to work toward the party’s success in the 2027 polls.

Jegede, who recently moved from the PDP to the ADC, also expressed confidence in the party’s ability to secure support in Ondo State. He cited unemployment and economic hardship as issues that needed to be addressed and said the party would work to mobilise and unite its supporters ahead of the election.

The APC later responded to Atiku’s comments by raising several allegations relating to his time in public office and his past political and financial controversies.

Morka referred to issues connected with the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, the Siemens bribery case, the William Jefferson case, the Petroleum Technology Development Fund controversy and a 2010 United States Senate investigation into suspicious financial transactions involving Atiku and his former wife, Jennifer Douglas.

On the Mambilla matter, the APC referred to an International Chamber of Commerce arbitration proceeding in Paris involving a $500,000 payment made in 2003 by Leno Adesanya, a promoter of Sunrise Power, to Douglas through an offshore company. The party linked the payment to the period when Atiku was vice president and the Mambilla contract was being handled.

However, Atiku has previously rejected the interpretation of the arbitration proceedings as a corruption finding against him. His spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, said the tribunal did not convict Atiku or find that he received a bribe or used his office to influence the Mambilla contract.

The APC also referred to the Siemens bribery case, in which US authorities investigated allegations that Siemens paid bribes to obtain contracts in Nigeria during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Siemens later agreed to pay about $1.6bn in penalties to US and German authorities over global anti-bribery violations.

The party further cited the case involving former US Congressman William Jefferson. US court records showed that Jefferson was involved in a proposed business arrangement involving iGate and Netlink Digital Television, with a $100,000 payment discussed in connection with Atiku. Jefferson was later convicted in the United States and sentenced to prison.

Morka also referred to a 2010 report by the US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations concerning financial transactions involving Atiku, Douglas and offshore companies. The APC said the report raised questions about the management of public funds and Atiku’s record of accountability.

The party also criticised Atiku’s current position on fuel subsidy, contrasting his present promise to restore the subsidy with his 2023 position in support of its removal. The APC argued that the policy change could affect the country’s finances.

The party further brought up comments by former President Olusegun Obasanjo concerning his relationship with Atiku during their time in government. The APC used Obasanjo’s recent criticism of his former deputy as part of its argument against Atiku’s 2027 presidential ambition.

The exchange between Atiku and the APC comes as both the ruling party and opposition groups increase their political activities ahead of the 2027 general election, with the economy, security, corruption and management of public resources emerging as major issues in the developing campaign.