Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has clarified his decision to testify in the ongoing Mambilla Power Project arbitration at the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris, emphasizing that his involvement was voluntary and not influenced by President Bola Tinubu.

“I volunteered myself to testify in this case. Nobody sent me to do so,” Obasanjo told Premium Times, explaining that his decision was driven by what he called “atrocious” claims made by Olu Agunloye, a former Minister of Power.

The arbitration centers on a $6 billion Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) contract allegedly awarded to Sunrise Power in May 2003 during Obasanjo’s administration. Sunrise Power claims the Federal Government breached the agreement and is seeking $2.3 billion in compensation for incurred expenses.

The government, however, argues the contract was fraudulently awarded, implicating public officials, including Agunloye. While Agunloye maintains that he acted with Obasanjo’s approval, the former president strongly refuted the claim, asserting that he never authorized the contract.

Citing official records, Obasanjo stated that his directives were ignored and reiterated that no minister during his tenure had the authority to commit the nation to agreements exceeding ₦25 million without presidential consent.

He also accused Agunloye of bypassing a Federal Executive Council decision to defer approval for the Sunrise Power contract.

The arbitration process has already seen testimony from former President Muhammadu Buhari. Obasanjo reaffirmed his dedication to protecting Nigeria’s interests, saying, “I have resolved to make myself available to testify in arbitration or any forum necessary.”

The case’s outcome is expected to carry significant financial and reputational consequences for Nigeria on the international stage.