By Austine Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna
The Presidency has dismissed recent allegations made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing them as baseless and an attempt to divert attention from his ongoing political struggles.
Atiku had alleged that he was under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over financial dealings linked to Lagos State—a claim the Presidency has firmly denied.
In a statement issued by his media office, Atiku suggested that he was being targeted by the anti-corruption agency, but the Presidency has refuted these assertions, dismissing them as misinformation rooted in social media speculation rather than factual evidence.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Atiku’s remarks as disappointing, stating that a politician of his standing should not resort to spreading misleading narratives in a bid to remain politically relevant.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains dedicated to addressing critical national challenges and delivering on his administration’s agenda for Nigeria’s growth and stability. He has no interest in engaging in political distractions,” the statement read.
The Presidency suggested that Atiku’s claims were an attempt to shift focus from his inability to establish a strong opposition coalition following his loss in the 2023 presidential election.
“Rather than stepping into the role of an elder statesman, Atiku continues to engage in divisive rhetoric and unfounded accusations. His latest comments appear to be a calculated move to keep himself in the political spotlight,” Onanuga said.
Rejecting any notion of undue influence over the EFCC, the Presidency reaffirmed that the commission operates independently and remains committed to upholding due process.
“The EFCC functions within its legal framework, free from external interference. Any suggestion to the contrary undermines the agency’s credibility and the principles of justice,” Onanuga added.
The Presidency called on Atiku to channel his efforts towards contributing positively to national unity, economic progress, and democratic stability.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, and national development, the Presidency maintained that these remain its top priorities.
