2027: APC Revisits Mambilla, Siemens Controversies In Fresh Attack On Atiku

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has renewed its criticism of the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, accusing the former Vice President of being linked to a number of financial controversies.

The ruling party urged Nigerians to scrutinise Atiku’s record in public office ahead of the 2027 presidential election, citing controversies surrounding the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, the Siemens bribery case, the William Jefferson case, the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) controversy and a 2010 United States Senate investigation.

The APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, made the allegations in a statement titled, “2027: Why Nigerians Must Keep Atiku Away From the National Treasury.”

Morka alleged that the various cases raised serious questions about Atiku’s record, saying they had featured in official records, investigations and legal proceedings in Nigeria and abroad.

On the Mambilla project, the APC spokesperson referred to proceedings before an International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration tribunal in Paris concerning the 3,960-megawatt project in Taraba State.

According to Morka, the tribunal examined a $500,000 payment allegedly made in January 2003 by Leno Adesanya, promoter of Sunrise Power, to Jennifer Douglas, Atiku’s then-wife, through an offshore company.

He alleged that the payment occurred around the period the Mambilla contract was awarded, when Atiku was Vice President, and argued that the circumstances surrounding the transaction warranted public scrutiny.

The APC also revisited the Siemens bribery controversy, alleging that about $2.8 million linked to the case passed through an account associated with Douglas.

Morka further cited the William Jefferson case and a 2010 report by the US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, which he said raised questions about financial transfers involving Atiku and Douglas.

The APC spokesman also criticised Atiku over his reported position on fuel subsidy, accusing him of changing his position from supporting subsidy removal in 2023 to advocating its restoration.

Morka argued that Nigerians should consider the issues raised by the party as part of the debate over the candidates seeking the presidency in 2027.

However, Atiku has previously rejected the APC’s interpretation of the Mambilla arbitration, arguing that the tribunal did not convict or indict him for corruption. His spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, challenged the APC to identify any portion of the tribunal’s final award where Atiku was found to have received a bribe, influenced the contract award or abused his office.

The controversy over the Mambilla project has therefore become another point of political contention between the APC and Atiku as the parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential election.