Mambilla Arbitration: TDF Backs Call for Atiku to Withdraw From 2027 Presidential Race

Mambilla Arbitration: TDF Backs Call for Atiku to Withdraw From 2027 Presidential Race

The Democratic Front (TDF) has backed calls by the Minister of Solid Minerals and spokesman of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Mr. Dele Alake, for former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race over issues raised in the recent International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration concerning the stalled Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Wale Adedayo, TDF said the recent ICC arbitration award had raised questions surrounding the 2003 award of the Mambilla project to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited.

The ICC tribunal, sitting in Paris, recently ruled in favour of Nigeria and rejected claims by Sunrise relating to the Mambilla project. The tribunal also examined a $500,000 payment made in January 2003 by Sunrise promoter Leno Adesanya to Jennifer Douglas Abubakar, Atiku's then-wife. According to reports on the tribunal's findings, Adesanya described the payment as part of a foreign-exchange transaction carried out for Atiku, but the tribunal noted that the explanation was not supported by documentary or independent witness evidence.

TDF said: “We acknowledge the validity of Dele Alake’s call against the backdrop of the findings contained in the ICC arbitration award on the dispute involving Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited and the Federal Government of Nigeria over the stalled Mambilla project.

“The long delay in developing the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project has denied Nigeria the opportunity to fully harness its potential contribution to the country’s power supply and economic development.

“For us, the questions raised by the tribunal regarding the $500,000 payment and the circumstances surrounding the 2003 project award deserve serious public attention and clarification.

“We recall that TDF had previously called on Atiku Abubakar to provide explanations regarding issues raised in relation to his past public service and financial dealings before criticising other political figures.

“The recent arbitration proceedings have brought additional details concerning the Mambilla project into the public domain, including the payment made to his then-wife by a company associated with the promoter of Sunrise Power.

“We believe that public office holders and political candidates should be prepared to provide clear explanations on matters of significant public interest, particularly where such matters relate to major government contracts and public resources.

“The Mambilla project has remained stalled for decades, while Nigeria continues to face significant challenges in electricity generation and transmission. The recent ICC ruling, which rejected Sunrise’s claims against Nigeria, has removed a major legal obstacle surrounding the project.”

TDF said the development should encourage greater scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the original award of the Mambilla contract and the subsequent disputes involving Sunrise Power.

The group also urged political actors to allow the relevant legal and investigative institutions to establish the facts surrounding allegations arising from the arbitration proceedings.

It further maintained its position that Atiku should withdraw from the 2027 presidential contest, arguing that the issues raised in connection with the Mambilla project require satisfactory public clarification.