Prosecute Me if You Have Proof': Atiku Dares Tinubu Team, Demands Audit of Subsidy Savings

 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has challenged the President Bola Tinubu administration to formally investigate and prosecute him if it possesses evidence that he misappropriated public funds during his time in office.

Atiku, who ran as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, also turned the spotlight back on the Federal Government, demanding a full accounting of the revenues saved following the removal of the petrol subsidy.

In a statement issued Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice president dismissed recent allegations concerning his role in power-sector contracts, the national privatization program, and the disposal of public assets as recycled propaganda designed to distract from current economic realities.

"Investigate me. Invite me. Produce the evidence. Prosecute me if you have a case. But propaganda cannot substitute for evidence," Atiku declared.

Addressing historical allegations, Atiku noted that successive federal administrations have commanded state investigative agencies for nearly two decades without bringing formal charges against him. He clarified that while he chaired the National Council on Privatization from 1999 to 2007, he did not supervise or implement the disputed power-sector projects of the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, adding that past National Assembly probes into the sector never cited him for wrongdoing. He maintained a similar position regarding the privatization of the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON).

The former vice president argued that the resurfacing of these claims is a calculated strategy to shift public attention away from rising living costs and the fiscal management of the current administration.

Atiku pointed out that Nigerians were asked to endure severe economic pain under the promise that withdrawing the petrol subsidy would free up critical resources for infrastructure, health, and education. Instead, he observed, citizens face escalating transport fares, food inflation, and eroded purchasing power, even as government revenues climb and tax concessions continue for select corporate entities.

"Meanwhile, government revenues have increased, while fiscal incentives, waivers, tax credits, and concessions continue to be available to powerful economic interests," he said, questioning why relief measures for vulnerable citizens are framed as fiscally irresponsible while corporate concessions persist.

Closing his statement, Atiku vowed that media campaigns and resurrected allegations would not deter him from demanding fiscal transparency or advocating for economic relief for the public.

"You removed the subsidy. You collected the savings. Where is the money?" Atiku asked.