ABUJA — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has challenged the Federal Government to investigate and prosecute him if it has evidence linking him to any wrongdoing over the controversial $16 billion expenditure on power projects during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Atiku, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, issued the challenge in a statement on Wednesday amid renewed controversy over the spending on power projects between 1999 and 2007.

The former vice president acknowledged that he chaired the National Council on Privatisation during his tenure but rejected allegations that he personally supervised the implementation of the power projects or misappropriated funds allocated to them.

He argued that the National Assembly had previously investigated the projects and that he was never invited to appear before the relevant panel to answer allegations of wrongdoing.

Atiku therefore challenged the Federal Government to present any evidence it has against him, insisting that he should be investigated and prosecuted if a credible case exists rather than being subjected to repeated political allegations.

“If there is evidence against me, bring it forward, investigate me and prosecute me,” Atiku maintained, according to the statement issued by his media aide.

The former vice president also questioned the government's renewed focus on the controversial power expenditure, suggesting that it could be an attempt to divert public attention from questions surrounding the management of increased government revenue following the removal of the petrol subsidy.

He argued that despite increased revenue accruing to the government, Nigerians continue to face rising costs of petrol, transportation, food and other essential commodities.

The $16 billion power expenditure has remained a subject of political controversy in Nigeria for almost two decades. In 2008, the House of Representatives criticised the spending on power projects under the Obasanjo administration, describing it as a colossal waste and raising questions over the implementation and outcome of the projects.

Atiku, however, maintained that allegations surrounding the expenditure should be addressed through evidence and due process rather than political rhetoric.

He said he remains prepared to face any investigation if the Federal Government possesses evidence linking him to financial misconduct in connection with the power projects.