APC attacks Atiku Abubakar over past corruption controversies and the Mambilla dispute as political tensions rise ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 election
The All Progressives Congress, APC, on Thursday, September 24, 2026, criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s bid for the Nigerian presidency in 2027, alleging that controversies surrounding his political career raise questions about accountability and public trust.
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The ruling party made the comments in a statement published on its verified X account as political parties intensify their activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The APC described Atiku as a “danger to Nigeria” and urged Nigerians to reject his return to the presidency.
The party alleged that Atiku had been linked to several domestic and international corruption controversies, citing the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, the Siemens bribery controversy, the William Jefferson case and the former Vice-President’s association with the Petroleum Technology Development Fund.
The APC also referred to investigations into financial transactions involving Atiku that have previously featured in public and official records.
The ruling party placed particular emphasis on the long-running dispute surrounding the Mambilla power project.
According to the APC, an International Chamber of Commerce arbitration tribunal in Paris examined a payment of $500,000 made in January 2003 by Leno Adesanya, promoter of Sunrise Power, to Jennifer Douglas, who was Atiku’s wife at the time, through an offshore company.
The party argued that the matter formed part of a wider history of controversies surrounding Atiku.
“Atiku is a danger to Nigeria. Nigerians must keep him away from the national treasury,” the APC said.
The party further alleged that controversies involving Atiku were documented in official records, tribunal proceedings, government investigations, legislative reports and international financial inquiries.
The allegations are part of the APC’s political criticism of Atiku. Their inclusion in the party’s statement does not by itself establish criminal liability, and the various cases and controversies cited have different histories, findings and legal contexts.
The Mambilla dispute, for example, has involved a long-running legal and commercial disagreement between the Federal Government and Sunrise Power over the proposed hydroelectric project.
The APC also referenced the Siemens bribery scandal and the US case involving former American congressman William Jefferson as part of its criticism of Atiku.
The party said the controversies should be considered when assessing Atiku’s bid for the presidency.
“These are not mere allegations. They are matters that are well documented in official records, tribunal proceedings, government investigations, national and foreign legislative reports, and international financial inquiries,” the APC said.
It argued that the issues raised questions about public accountability and the management of national resources.
The statement represents the APC’s political position and comes as Atiku remains one of the prominent opposition figures preparing for the 2027 presidential contest.
The former vice-president has contested the presidency several times, including as the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate in the 2019 and 2023 elections.
The political environment ahead of 2027 has already been marked by significant realignments, with politicians and support groups moving between parties and opposition figures exploring different forms of cooperation.
The APC’s latest attack therefore comes against a broader backdrop of an increasingly active presidential race.
Atiku and other opposition politicians have faced criticism from the ruling party on several occasions, while APC officials and the Tinubu administration have themselves been challenged by opposition parties over economic policies, governance and other national issues.
As the 2027 election approaches, allegations concerning corruption, public accountability and previous political records are likely to remain part of the campaign debate.
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For now, the APC’s latest statement is a direct attempt to frame Atiku’s record as an issue voters should consider as the former vice-president seeks another opportunity to contest for the presidency.
