Atiku challenges Nigerian government on $16bn power project allegations amid subsidy debate

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, accused the President Bola Tinubu-led government of recycling old allegations to divert attention from questions regarding the use of revenues saved from petrol subsidy removal. He stated that the resurfacing of allegations concerning power-sector projects and privatization was an attempt to shift public attention from the economic hardship faced by Nigerians. Atiku questioned the Tinubu government to account for the resources gained since the removal of petrol subsidy, asking, “Where is the people’s money?”

He emphasized that these allegations have been repeatedly raised over the years without prosecution, despite successive governments having access to investigative machinery. The Presidency, however, criticized Atiku for what it described as conflicting positions on petrol subsidy, with Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stating that Atiku's position had changed or been explained differently three times within a week. Onanuga challenged Atiku to explain how his proposed "targeted subsidy" would work, including its cost, beneficiaries, funding mechanism, and conditions for its eventual removal.

The All Progressives Congress also challenged Atiku to go to court a